London Specialty School of Ophthalmology

Our aim is to train consultant ophthalmologists who will meet and raise the standards of excellence demanded by the specialty.

By focusing on the latest advancements in microsurgical practice, we ensure our trainees develop first-class decision-making skills, clinical reasoning and judgement in all aspects of ophthalmology.

Why choose this school?

The London School of Ophthalmology is responsible for delivering the education and training of specialists in ophthalmology based on the curriculum formulated by the Royal College which is approved by the General Medical Council (GMC).  It also strives to ensure that the generic standards for training set by GMC are met.

Ophthalmology is a vital and competitive specialty that evolves with the latest advances in medical technology.  We provide training at world-renowned teaching institutions including Moorfields Eye Hospital and Imperial College, as well as a number of excellent district general hospitals.  Working with a diverse healthcare population across London, trainees will treat a cross-range of patients and medical conditions in urban communities.

The School is the largest training organisation for ophthalmology in the UK.  It is responsible for nearly 160 trainees and is a highly competitive run-through specialty.  The training is seven years in duration from ST1 through to ST7, subject to satisfactory progress.  There are a number of Advanced Specialty Training in Ophthalmology (ASTO) opportunities for trainees to pursue at ST7 and these include:

• Adnexal surgery

• Anterior segment and Cornea
• Glaucoma
• Ocular oncology
• Medical retina & uveitis
• Neuro-ophthalmology
• Oculoplastic surgery
• Paediatric ophthalmology
• Strabismus and ocular motility
• Vitreo-retinal surgery

The London School of Ophthalmology encourages and supports its trainees through structured teaching programmes.  The School interacts closely with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.  A Medical Workforce Officer provides the administrative support and is supported by a Medical Workforce Manager and an Assistant Medical Workforce Manager.

Who is the Head?

Miss Fiona O’Sullivan is the Deputy Head of the London Specialty School of Ophthalmology. This is a joint appointment between the London Deanery and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

Fiona is a consultant ophthalmologist at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. She has a major interest in glaucoma. She held a Frost Foundation fellowship between 1989 and 1992 which allowed her to further her research interest in this field.

Fiona has a long-standing interest in postgraduate training. Between 1997 and 2003 she was College regional representative and Training Committee member at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. She was also a tutor for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Trust, and more recently, Training Programme Director of the London Deanery South Thames programme.  She was also a member of the Royal College Curriculum Sub-Committee for development of the training curriculum.

Our programmes

Our programmes are divided between North Thames and South Thames and based on rotations through the main teaching hospitals of London. These include posts at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Guy's Hospital and King's College Hospital.

All programmes offer a high quality core training in the first two years. Trainees can apply without previous experience in the specialty.

Recruitment from 2012 will be through national selection.  All ST1 posts in the UK will be advertised and recruited to centrally.  The host Deanery for this process is Severn Deanery.

Trainees must pass FRCOphth part 1 to progress to ST3. The refraction module of the Royal College exams must be passed by the end of ST3 and part 2 FRCOphth by the end of ST6 at the latest.  Trainees must pass FRCOphth part 2 and complete satisfactory ARCPs annually to obtain a CCT in Ophthalmology.

Advanced sub-specialty training is offered within the training envelope at ST7. Subjects covered include oculoplastic adnexal and lacrimal surgery, corneal and external disease, cataract and refractive surgery, glaucoma, retina, vitreous and uvea (including ocular oncology), neuro-ophthalmology and paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.

South Programme Trusts

Epsom and St Helier Hospital Trust

Kings College Hospital

Kingston Hospital Trust

Croydon University Hospital

South London Healthcare Trust (Eye Departments at Sidcup and Bromley)

St George’s Hospital

St Thomas’ Hospital

North Programme Trusts

Barnet Hospital

Bart’s & The Royal London Hospital

Central Middlesex Hospital

Charing Cross Hospital

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

Hillingdon Hospital

Moorfields Eye Hospital

North Middlesex Hospital

Queen’s Hospital, Romford, Essex

Royal Free Hospital

University College Hospital

Western Eye Hospital

Whipps Cross Hospital

Whittington Hospital

Please note that the North and South programmes run independently from years ST1 to ST6. It is not possible for trainees to move from North to South or vice versa.  Therefore, when you are ranking choice of Deanery programmes, please indicate clearly which programme you are applying for.  You can rank both North and South, in which case you could be placed in either programme.

Find out more

To find out more about training in ophthalmology, visit the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.