FRCS (Ophth) Part 3 | Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Overview

FRCS Ophthalmology Part 3 is the final examination in the fellowship assessment process and consists of structured oral and clinical examinations. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to apply ophthalmic knowledge in real-world clinical settings, with a focus on safe, effective and independent patient care.

Award of the Fellowship should be perceived as a validation of an ophthalmologist's knowledge, experience and training. Candidates achieving this standard are judged to have the skills of a General Ophthalmologist and to be able to manage patients and their ophthalmic conditions independently in a safe and professional manner.

Fellowship is not intended to validate sub-specialist expertise and does not provide direct entry to higher specialist training in the UK. However, the Fellowship is recognised as part of the registration process with the General Medical Council of the UK.

Upcoming exam diets

Content

Closing date: 2 June 2025
Examination dates: 10–13 November 2025
Fee: £2,094.50*

Closing date: 2 June 2025
Examination dates: 22–25 September 2025
Fee: £2,094.50*

Applications open: 4–11 August 2025
Examination dates: 4–7 November 2025
Fee: £1,775

Applications open: 4–11 August 2025
Examination dates: 1–4 December 2025
Fee: £1,775

*Please note: Effective for all exams taking place from 1 July 2025, please be informed that an additional 18% tax will be applied to examination fees for candidates sitting the examinations in India. This tax is mandated by local Indian tax regulations and is not determined by the College. The exam fee is £1,775 plus 18% tax, totalling £2,094.50.

Sit your exam with us

By applying for FRCS Ophthalmology exams with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, you'll benefit from expert support and exclusive opportunities.

Expert support

Responsive guidance from our examinations team

International recognition

Globally respected credential for general ophthalmic practice
Final step toward fellowship of the College

Valuable membership benefits

Join a professional network of ophthalmologists
Access CPD opportunities, events and clinical resources

Watch our short guide to help you prepare for your FRCS exam

Ophthalmologist using clinical equipment

Content

Register your interest
– Once an exam diet is open for booking, a link to an online form will be published on this FRCS Part 3 webpage.
Complete the online form
– Complete the online form once to express your interest in a place on the exam. The form will be available between the published opening and closing dates. Expressions of interest submitted by email will not be accepted.
Allocation of places
– Details of the process for allocation of places are available in the 'Dates, fees and allocation process' document below
Confirmation
– If you are successful in being allocated a place, you will receive a confirmation email and further instructions from the College team.
Make payment
– Once advised by the College, make payment securely online to confirm your place.
Submit your application
– Submit any required information and supporting documents as advised by the College team.

The College reserves the right to close the application window early if an exam is oversubscribed.

Candidates cannot apply for an examination if they are waiting for results or an appeal outcome from a previous exam.

Resit candidates are not permitted to apply again within 12 months of their previous examination attempt.

To sit FRCS Ophthalmology Part 3, you must:

Have successfully passed FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1 and Part 2, or accepted exempting qualifications.
Hold a primary medical qualification accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Have completed a minimum of 6 years post-qualification experience, including at least 1 year in pre-registration training and 4.5 years in clinical Ophthalmology posts.

Application terms and conditions

Obtaining the relevant visa to attend the examination is the responsibility of each candidate. Candidates should check the visa application process with their local embassy, including the likelihood of a visa being obtained, prior to applying for an examination. Refunds cannot be given to candidates who are unable to secure a visa in time for their exam.
In view of the current travel sector issues (short notice cancellations, strikes and airport schedule reductions, visa issues), we recommend that candidates have adequate travel insurance to cover their costs including the exam fee should they be unable to attend.
The College cannot be held responsible for candidates being unable to attend an exam due to travel or visa issues. As per the regulations for this exam, refunds are not normally made to candidates who withdraw from the exam after the closing date.

Processes relating to withdrawals are detailed in the exam regulations document below.
Transfers to other diets are not permitted even on medical grounds.
The College operates a 'fit to sit' policy - if a candidate attends and sits an exam, they are declaring themselves mentally and physically fit to do so. Candidates will not be able to subsequently claim that their performance was affected by mitigating circumstances. Candidates therefore need to take responsibility for assessing their own circumstances and deciding in advance whether they are fit to sit the exam.

Fees are correct at the time of publication. The College may amend these fees in advance of the opening date.
Effective for all exams taking place from 1 July 2025, please be informed that an additional 18% tax will be applied to examination fees for candidates sitting the examinations in India.
This tax is mandated by local Indian tax regulations and is not determined by the College.

The College may either cancel an examination centre if there are insufficient candidates or restrict numbers should this be necessary.
In the unlikely event that the College has to cancel an examination, the examination fee shall be reimbursed, but the College shall incur no further liability.

Documentation

More information is available in the documents found below. Before applying for this examination, ensure you have read and understood the supporting documentation including the examination regulations.