Curriculum

The Brunei Basic Specialist Training (BST) in Ophthalmology curriculum is a three-year competency-based programme designed to develop progressive capability in general ophthalmology.

The curriculum is adapted from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists OST Curriculum 2024 and contextualised to Brunei Darussalam’s clinical service structure and healthcare needs.

Training Years

R1 – Foundations of Ophthalmology

R1 focuses on the development of core ophthalmic knowledge, examination skills and basic procedural competence.

Trainees are expected to develop competence in:

• Basic ophthalmic examination

• Slit lamp examination

• Tonometry

• Indirect ophthalmoscopy

• Basic OCT interpretation

• Acute ophthalmology assessment

• Theatre sterility and microscope handling

• Basic procedural skills

R2 – Core General Ophthalmology

R2 focuses on increasing independence in the assessment and management of common ophthalmic conditions under indirect supervision.

Trainees are expected to develop competency in:

• Cataract assessment and surgery

• Glaucoma assessment

• Medical retina management

• Laser procedures

• Biometry interpretation

• Paediatric ophthalmology

• Emergency ophthalmology

R3 – Advanced General Ophthalmology & Transition Year

R3 prepares trainees to function at senior registrar/general ophthalmology level under consultant oversight.

Trainees are expected to demonstrate:

• Independent clinic management

• Independent cataract surgery

• Emergency ocular management

• Junior teaching and supervision

• Participation in audit and quality improvement

• Participation in service development

Clinical Domains

Training encompasses the following core areas:

• Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology

• Medical Retina

• Glaucoma

• Vitreoretinal

• Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus

• Uveitis

• Oculoplastics & Orbit

• Acute Eye Care

Training Approach

Progression is based on demonstrated clinical competence, safe practice, workplace-based assessments, supervisor reports, procedural experience and maintenance of the surgical logbook.

Procedural numbers are used alongside demonstrated competency and should not be interpreted as the sole measure of progression.