Successful students can demonstrate to the examiners that they have knowledge of anatomy relevant to the practise of ophthalmology. In particular, students must show detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the eye, the orbit and periorbital structures, and the visual pathways. On completion of this unit of study the successful student will be able to (1) describe the normal anatomical organisation and development of the human eye, orbit and periorbital structures in terms of cells, tissues, organs and systems, (2) describe the principal components of the human visual system and their structure and function and (3) describe how diagnostic imaging may be used in ophthalmic practise.

Successful students can demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of physiology relevant to the practise of ophthalmology. Particular emphasis is placed on the organisation, function, mechanism of action, regulation and adaptation of relevant structures and their component parts. Students are also expected to have an understanding of the maturation and normal ageing of the human eye. They must have a thorough understanding of the methods used to measure the activity of relevant physiological processes such as intraocular pressure, retinal electrical activity and visual acuity. On completion of this unit of study students are able to (1) describe the normal physiological functioning of the human eye and nervous system, (2) describe the principal physiological laws and phenomena that apply to these systems and (3) describe how these physiological processes are measured and the limitations of such tests.

Successful students can demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of optics relevant to the practise of ophthalmology. Particular emphasis is placed on the topics of physical, geometrical, physiological and instrument optics. On completion of this unit of study students are able to (1) describe the physical properties of light and lasers, (2) describe the geometrical principles of light and the laws governing lights interaction with materials and (3) describe the physiological optics of the human eye and how to test this.

Successful students can demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the practical aspects of the basic ophthalmic sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on the topics of anatomy, physiology and optics. On completion of this unit of study, the students can (1) describe the anatomy of the human eye, orbit, nervous system and head and neck, (2) correctly identify structures of the above on prosections, radiographic and magnetic resonance images, (3) describe the physiologic functioning of the human eye and nervous system, (4) correctly investigate, interpret results, recognise limitations and evaluate physiologic processes of the human eye and nervous system, (5) describe the physical, physiological and geometric optics of light and its application to the human eye and (6) correctly use ophthalmic instruments and describe their optical properties.

Successful students can demonstrate to the examiners that they have a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of one area in the basic sciences or clinical ophthalmology. The treatise is a report or formal academic composition on work performed during the candidature from a supervised student project that contains between 10,000-20,000 words. The format of the project may be of a systematic review of the literature, a case series, short clinical trial, survey or other project acceptable to the unit of study coordinator. On completion of this unit of study the successful student will be able to (1) undertake a medical/scientific project and follow it to its completion, (2) work constructively under the supervision of a supervisor, (3) display scientific thinking and apply this to ophthalmology and (4) attempt to publish their treatise or learn how to publish their work.

This unit of study provides candidates with the practical experience and knowledge necessary to assess and perform oculoplastic surgery. This is a mentor-based programme with students supervised in a number of clinical and laboratory environments. Emphasis is on pre-operative investigation, surgical skill and post-operative management. Students are required to observe and perform and extra-ocular surgical techniques relevant to oculoplastic surgery. Students rotate through a number of oculoplastic surgical practices and observe oculoplastic surgery taking place using a number of different oculoplastic surgical systems. Further candidates will have to attend a number of wet lab sessions designed for practicing oculoplastic surgical techniques on artificial, animal or human eyes. A logbook of observed and performed surgeries will be kept and used for assessment. Surgical mentors will be allocated and provide the appropriate training in specific oculoplastic operations.