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 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).
Am I able to apply to work as a recognised specialist in New Zealand?
To apply for vocational registration in ophthalmology, you would need to hold:
- 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 I be compared against?
To obtain the FRANZCO, the trainee completes 5 years of training:
- 2 years of basic training during which the trainee must demonstrate integrated clinical skills and knowledge in the ophthalmic sciences and basic competencies and knowledge
- 2 years of advanced training during which the trainee is expected to demonstrate integrated knowledge and clinical and surgical skills
- a final year during which the trainee develops their specialist experience in preparation for specialist qualification
- a pass in the FRANZCO Part I examination in ophthalmic basic sciences (anatomy, physiology and optics) is required after 2 years of basic training
- a pass in the FRANZCO Part II written and clinical examinations is required in the third or fourth year of advanced training
- FRANZCO awarded on satisfactory completion of examination and training requirements
- participation required in the RANZCO continuing professional development programme
I want to make a vocational registration application
If you wish to make a vocational registration application, please refer to the Vocational Registration Homepage and select the Option appropriate for you.
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