Examinations for Ophthalmology

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.

YouTube video
David Pyott, Vice President of OF, shares an overview of our international online examinations.

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.

Wills Eye Hospital logo
Wills Eye Hospital logo

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

Benefits of OF Examinations for Ophthalmology

  • Flexible online format allowing you to take exams from anywhere.
  • Comprehensive curriculum covering essential ophthalmology knowledge.
  • Recognized certification to enhance your professional credentials.
  • Continuous support and resources from the OF community.
  • Successfully passing the Ophthalmology Foundation Examinations will earn you valuable points towards your application for International Ophthalmological Fellowship Foundation (IOFF e.V.) application.
  • Candidates who pass the Clinical Ophthalmology Examination will be awarded the post nominal, FIOF (Fellow of the International Ophthalmology Foundation).
  • Exemption policy for examinations deemed to be of the same standard by the OF Board.

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.

  1. Create an account or log in on the application page to register.
  2. Read the requirements for laptops to be used by candidates in the examination center before registering.
  3. Choose your exam category and register.
  4. 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.
  5. If you have any registration issues or questions, please contact exams[at]ophthalmologyfoundation.org.
Young woman with headphones working on laptop

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.

PAAO Logo
PAAO Logo

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.