R2 – CORE GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY

R2 – Core General Ophthalmology

R2 is the second year of the Basic Specialist Training in Ophthalmology Programme.

The focus is on increasing clinical independence in the management of common ophthalmic conditions under indirect supervision, while continuing to develop procedural and surgical capability.

Core Learning Outcomes

By the end of R2, trainees should demonstrate competency in:

• Cataract assessment and surgery

• Glaucoma assessment

• Medical retina management

• Laser procedures

• Biometry interpretation

• Paediatric ophthalmology exposure

• Emergency ophthalmology

Progression Expectations

Progression from R2 to R3 requires increasing independence and safe management of common ophthalmic conditions.

Minimum expectations include:

• Satisfactory Educational Supervisor report

• Satisfactory annual review outcome

• Continued maintenance of the procedural logbook

• Demonstration of safe cataract surgery progression

• Participation in audit or quality improvement activities

• Participation in departmental teaching

• Participation in journal club activities

Workplace-Based Assessments

Recommended minimum assessments during R2:

• Case-based Discussions: 8

• Direct Observation of Procedural Skills: 8

• Multi-source Feedback: 1 annually

Indicative Procedural Exposure

Indicative R2 procedural exposure includes:

• Cataract surgery as primary surgeon: 40–60 cases

• YAG capsulotomy: 10

• Peripheral iridotomy: 5

• Retinal laser: 10

• Intravitreal injections: additional 20

• Subtenon injections: 10

Procedural numbers should be interpreted alongside demonstrated competency, safety and clinical independence.

Examinations

Completion of the Refraction Certificate examination is strongly encouraged during this stage of training.