The Irish College of Ophthalmologists or ICO is the recognised body for ophthalmology training in the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1991, it represents over 200 ophthalmologists in Ireland and Europe.[1] Its current president is Ms. Patricia Logan.[2] Dr. Denise Curtin serves as Dean.
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In conjunction with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), the ICO oversees postgraduate medical and surgical ophthalmology training in the Republic of Ireland. The ICO is a recognised training body of the Irish Medical Council.[3] Its remit includes approval of hospital training posts.[4] As part of its international activities, the College is twinned with the New England Ophthalmological Society.[5] In 2011, the ICO introduced an online Professional Competency Scheme, to comply with new legislation and Irish Medical Council regulations.[6][7] The ICO also collaborates with the Health Service Executive[8] and engages in outreach and education for patients and the general public.
The ICO and RCSI supervise and co-ordinate the two strands of the ophthalmology training programme in Ireland: Basic Surgical Training (BST) and Higher Surgical Training (HST). Completion of a pre-registration intern year is required before applying for ophthalmology training.
The BST programme involves rotating through various sub-specialities. Trainees work as Senior House Officer over a minimum of three years at hospital sites in one of three combinations:
Formal training includes use of surgical simulators, continuous assessment and a mandatory human factors course.[9] During the BST, trainees sit examinations to gain Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the MRCSI (Ophth) qualification.[10] At the end of the BST, successful trainees receive the Certificate of Completion of Basic Surgical Training (CCBST), with which they may apply for the competitive HST programme.
The HST scheme is a pre-requisite for obtaining a post as a hospital consultant. HST lasts four-and-a-half years and covers seven core sub-specialities:
Trainees are assessed every 6 months and in the final year must complete a fellowship exam, the FRCSI (Ophth). This exit exam comprises a one hour viva voce and a written test. Successful candidates also receive the Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST).
The ICO holds an annual international conference[11] where it presents the ICO/Pfizer Research Fellowship. The award sponsors trainee doctors to undertake research in ophthalmology.[12]
