Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology involves the diagnosis and management of patients with abnormal conditions affecting the eye and its appendages, including prevention of blindness, promotion of eye health and rehabilitation of patients with visual disability.
Vocational training in New Zealand
Vocational training in ophthalmology is undertaken through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO). Once RANZCO training is completed the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RANZCO (FRANZCO).
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The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) is the medical college responsible for the training and professional development of ophthalmologists in Australia and New Zealand. This includes maintaining a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system, a Vocational Training Program (VTP), organising scientific congresses and meetings, and much more.
Am I able to apply to work as a recognised specialist in New Zealand?
To apply for vocational registration in ophthalmology, you need either:
- the FRANZCO qualification; or
- an international postgraduate medical qualification in ophthalmology, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will then be assessed against the standard of the FRANZCO.
What standard will my training, qualifications and experience be compared against?
Recognised specialists in New Zealand must complete 5 years of training and meet the requirements set out below:
- Basic Training -2 years of basic training during which the trainee must demonstrate integrated foundational clinical skills and knowledge in the Ophthalmic Sciences (OS) and the Ophthalmic Basic Competencies and Knowledge (OBCK).
- Advanced Training - 2 years of advanced training during which the trainee is expected to demonstrate integrated knowledge, clinical and surgical skills in specific areas of practice as documented in the clinical standards (please link to: https://ranzco.edu/home/future-ophthalmologists/vocational-training-program/curriculum-standards/).
- Final Year Training - a final year during which the trainee develops their specialist experience in preparation for specialist qualification and to function in the community as an independent general ophthalmologist.
- In Basic Training (Years 1 and 2), trainees must demonstrate integrated knowledge and clinical and surgical skills in the Ophthalmic Sciences (COPEM, Anatomy, Optics and Physiology) and Ophthalmic Basic Competencies and Knowledge (OBCK) examinations. The Ophthalmic Sciences examinations (Anatomy, Optics and Physiology) are designed to drive understanding of the basic sciences underpinning ophthalmology practice. The OBCK examination is designed to assess the initial attainment of knowledge and skills in clinical ophthalmology.
- These are further developed in Advanced Training (Years 3 and 4) as assessed in the Ophthalmic Pathology and the RANZCO Advanced Clinical Examination (RACE). The RACE is the final examination in the training program which assesses the achievement of the learning objectives in all the clinical curriculum performance standards, including the Social and Professional Responsibilities and Evidence-based Ophthalmic Practice Curriculum Standards.
Once a trainee has successfully completed all the examination and training requirements, they will be eligible to apply for Fellowship.
Once Fellowship is awarded, they will be eligible to apply for vocational registration. Doctors registered in the vocational scope of ophthalmology are required to participate in the RANZCO continuing professional development programme.
I want to make a vocational registration application
To make a vocational registration application, please refer to the Vocational Registration Homepage and select the option appropriate for you.
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Vocational registration is a form of permanent, specialist registration which allows you to work independently in New Zealand.
Am I able to apply for other types of registration?
You may be able to apply for more than one type of registration. To find out which is the best fit for you, please use our self assessment tool.
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Use our registration self assessment tool to determine which pathway to registration (as a medical practitioner in Aotearoa New Zealand) you might be eligible for. Note: we do not cover student electives.