Next ICO Examination Dates:
- Standard Examinations: 18 April 2018
- Advanced Examination: TBC
The ICO Examinations are the only worldwide medical-specialty examinations. They are independent and free of any outside influence and can be taken in the candidate’s own country. The questions are prepared by an international group of examiners and set at the same standard as the highest board and qualifying examinations anywhere.
Each year, the ICO offers examinations throughout the world to help Ophthalmologists evaluate their knowledge in the Basic Science and Clinical Sciences related to Ophthalmology. The ICO started to offer examinations (initially called “Assessments”) in 1995. Since then, more than 22,000 candidates have taken the ICO Examinations. In 2016, there were just over 5000 ICO examinations taken in 130 test centers in 80 countries.
As a special benefit of ICO membership, the ICO offers more favorable registration rates to candidates from countries whose societies are ICO Members.
Standard Examinations
The ICO Standard Examinations are divided into three subject areas: Basic Science; Optics & Refraction and Use of Instruments; and Clinical Sciences. The Clinical Sciences examination is offered to Ophthalmologists who have passed the first two components, or an examination of similar standard recognized by the ICO.
Advanced Examination
The Advanced ICO Examination is offered to Ophthalmologists who have passed all three parts of the ICO Standard Examination, or an examination of similar standard. Passing the ICO Advanced Examination, along with a local face-to-face examination, entitles the successful candidate to use the post-nominal acronym FICO (Fellow of the ICO).
Foundation Assessment
Available online, the Foundation Assessment https://ico-foundation.org/moodle/is designed for those entering Ophthalmology training and first-year Ophthalmology residency trainees. Meant as a knowledge assessment and learning tool, the Assessment is accessible worldwide at all times and emphasizes basic and practical Ophthalmology learned in the first year of training. ICO Examinations candidates whose societies are ICO Members receive a complimentary Foundation Assessment when applying for any of the ICO Standard Examinations.