R3 – ADVANCED GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY & TRANSITION YEAR

R3 – Advanced General Ophthalmology & Transition Year

R3 is the final year of the Basic Specialist Training in Ophthalmology Programme.

The focus is on consolidation of clinical and surgical skills and development towards senior medical officer/general ophthalmology practice under consultant oversight.

Core Learning Outcomes

By the end of R3, trainees should demonstrate:

• Independent clinic management

• Independent cataract surgery

• Emergency ocular management

• Junior teaching and supervision

• Participation in audit and quality improvement

• Participation in service development

Completion Expectations

Minimum expectations for completion include:

• Satisfactory Educational Supervisor report

• Satisfactory annual review outcome

• Completion of BST procedural logbook requirements

• Demonstration of safe and independent management of common ophthalmic conditions

• Completion of at least one audit or quality improvement project

• Participation in teaching activities

• Participation in departmental leadership and service activities

Workplace-Based Assessments

Recommended minimum assessments during R3:

• Case-based Discussions: 10

• Direct Observation of Procedural Skills: 10

• Multi-source Feedback: 1 annually

Indicative Cumulative Procedural Exposure

By completion of BST, trainees should aim for cumulative experience including:

• Cataract surgery as primary surgeon: minimum 100–120 cases

• YAG capsulotomy: 20

• Peripheral iridotomy: 10

• Retinal laser: 20

• Intravitreal injections: 50

• Corneal foreign body removal: 20

• Chalazion procedures: 10

Completion Outcome

At completion, trainees should be capable of functioning at senior medical officer/general ophthalmology level under consultant oversight.

Completion of BST does not confer consultant specialist equivalence or subspecialty accreditation.