Elevate your knowledge to global standards. Challenge yourself with international standardized examinations! The Ophthalmology Foundation offers new online examinations for ophthalmology available at nearby centers offered twice a year. Empower your ophthalmology journey. Learn more below:
About Our Examinations for Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating eye diseases, as well as identifying other systemic conditions. The Ophthalmology Foundation examination aims to assess the depth and breadth of trainees’ knowledge, benchmark performance, and ensure readiness for certification.
To prepare them for these challenges, the OF exams are meticulously crafted to align with the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSC) standards and the professional requirements in the field. BCSC is a comprehensive ophthalmic knowledge educational resource widely used internationally. Content is created by U.S. and international experts in every specialty within ophthalmology and is revised periodically.
The exams are proudly in partnership with Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, one of the oldest and most prestigious eye hospitals in the world, and Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore. Their partnership underscores the global relevance of these examinations.
Examination Ophthalmology Categories
Visual Sciences
120 Single Best Answer Questions
3 Hours
Subjects
- Anatomy
- Embryology and Development
- Genetics
- Biochemistry and Metabolism
- Pharmacology
- Imaging and Digital Ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic Pathology
Optics, Refraction, and Instruments
60 Single Best Answer Questions
1.5 Hours
Subjects
- Optics
- Refraction
- Instruments
Clinical Ophthalmology
160 Single Best Answer Questions
4 Hours
Subjects
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
- Orbit
- Cornea, and external eye disease
- Uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Retina
- Community and Public Health
- General Medicine related to Ophthalmology
How to Enroll in Examinations
The Ophthalmology Foundation will conduct three formal examinations annually for ophthalmologists in training, held twice a year in March and September. The next exam will be 26 March 2025.
- Create an account or log in on the application page to register.
- Read the requirements for laptops to be used by candidates in the examination center before registering.
- Choose your exam category and register.
- Prepare using our provided resources:
- Download a suggested reading list that includes books, journals, and online resources to help with examinations preparation.
- Find answers to common questions in the FAQ about the exam process, format, locations, fees and more.
- If you have any registration issues or questions, please contact exams[at]ophthalmologyfoundation.org.
The following exam will be held 24 September 2025. Stay tuned for registration details coming in 2025.
OF Examinations Board Committee (reporting to the OF Board)
David Pyott, Chair
Karl Golnik
Julia Haller
Eduardo Mayorga
Peter McDonnell
Gabriela Palis
Examinations Working Committee
Karl Golnik, Chair, USA
Ishtiaque Anwar, Bangladesh
Luis Amaya, UK
Richard Bowman, UK
Baljean Dhillon, UK
Essam El Toukhy, Egypt
Angela Maria Fernandez, Colombia
Rebecca Ford, UK
Ashok Grover, India/AIOS
Prut Hanutsaha, Thailand
Wei He, China
Nat Knox-Cartwright, UK
Maeve Lagan, Ireland/UK
Xiaoxin Li, China
Ciku Mathenge, Rwanda/COECSA
Eduardo Mayorga, Argentina/PAAO
Muhammad Moin, Pakistan
Henry Nkumbe, Cameroon/OF Board
Adeola Onakoya, Nigeria
Gabriela Palis, Argentina/PAAO
Venkatesh Prajna, India/Aravind
Chris Rapuano, USA/Wills Eye Hospital
Tara Barqee Rashid, Iraq
Berthold Seitz, Germany/OF Board
Divya Srikumaran, USA/Wilmer Eye Institute
Wandsy Velez, Puerto Rico
Chee Chew Yip, Singapore
Hui-Fang Zhou, China
Nicola Quilter, UK – Exams Director, Consultant
The Ophthalmology Foundation is grateful for our partners who are committed to the OF mission of enhancing the education of ophthalmic trainees.
Ophthalmology Examinations Center Interest Form
Senior ophthalmologist with access to computer facilities are invited to complete this interest form for their institution to host these exams. To qualify as a host center, you must be a senior ophthalmologist and have access to computer facilities. For inquiries, please contact our Examinations Director, exams[at]ophthalmologyfoundation.org.