Programs: Ophthalmic Knowledge Examinations

ICO Ophthalmic Knowledge Examinations are formal written examinations that present questions prepared by a multinational committee of examiners. Examinations are set at the same standard as the highest board, college and qualifying examinations in the world.

Exam questions are prepared in English and translated into French, German, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. At the time of examination, the English version is presented along with the alternate language so that comparisons can be made by the candidate.

Successful passage of both the ICO Basic Science and Clinical Sciences Examinations is recognized by a certificate. In Turkey and a number of other countries, the ICO examinations are part of the national examination for certification as an ophthalmologist.

Dr. David Taylor, FRCOphth, D.S.C. (Med) (United Kingdom) commenced appointment as Chair of the ICO Ophthalmic Knowledge Examinations in 2008. Dr. Taylor plans that the ICO Examinations will reflect recent additions to the ICO curriculum related to Community and Public Health, Embryology, and Physiology.

With increasing acceptance throughout the world, a differential fee structure was introduced for the ICO Examinations to keep the fees a low as possible for candidates from economically disadvantaged nations. The ICOFoundation augments this flexibility by providing support funds when necessary to assist candidates unable to compete for the ICO certificate because of economic factors.

Since the Basic Science Examination was inaugurated in 1994 and the Clinical Sciences Examination was initiated in 1998, 17,307 candidates have voluntarily applied for and taken the Examinations. In recent years, the annual Examinations took place on April 12, 2007, April 10, 2008 and April 2, 2009, in countries that range alphabetically from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

In 2009, the ICO approved Dr. David Taylor’s proposal for an ICO International Advanced Examination. This will be at a higher level than the ICO Basic Science and Clinical Sciences Examinations and evaluate knowledge as well as clinical experience. Successful candidates will be able to use the post-nominal acronym FICO (Fellow of the International Council of Ophthalmology). October 21, 2010 is the date for the first ICO International Advanced Examination.

More on ICOFoundation programs:

• Ophthalmic Education and Training
  
  
• Ophthalmic Fellowship Training
  
  
• Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
  
  
• Advocacy for Preservation and Restoration of Vision
  
  
• Research in Ophthalmology and Vision

Next: Ophthalmic Fellowship Training

Also see:

• Contribute to the ICOFoundation
  
  
• Programs Supported by the ICOFoundation