TY - JOUR
T1 - Competency-based European training requirements for the specialty of ophthalmology. Recommendations from the UEMS section of ophthalmology and the European Board of Ophthalmology
AU - Filipe, Helena Prior
AU - Yaïci, Rémi
AU - Ivekovic, Renata
AU - Curtin, Denise
AU - Asoklis, Rimvydas
AU - Atilla, Huban
AU - Bak, Elske
AU - Pueyo-Bestué, Ana
AU - Beaconsfield, Michèle
AU - Creuzot-Garcher, Catherine
AU - Cvenkel, Barbara
AU - Flanagan, Lisa
AU - Imhof, Saskia
AU - Kivelä, Tero
AU - Koppen, Carina
AU - Mrukwa-Kominec, Ewa
AU - Maino, Anna
AU - Mouriaux, Frédéric
AU - Muselier, Aurore
AU - Dhubghaill, Sorcha Ni
AU - Paust, Karsten
AU - Priglinger, Siegfried
AU - Stopa, Marcin
AU - Strong, Brendan
AU - Tanner, Felix
AU - Tassignon, Marie-José
AU - Ursell, Paul
AU - Aclimandos, Wagih
AU - Bourcier, Tristan
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Author(s). Acta Ophthalmologica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.
PY - 2026/3
Y1 - 2026/3
N2 - PURPOSE: Ophthalmology encompasses comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with diverse visual system disorders, significantly impacting eye health, vision, and quality of life. European ophthalmologists undergo specialized residency training to acquire necessary competencies, emphasizing theoretical knowledge, clinical and surgical skills, and professional behaviour. The European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) and the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) advocate for competency-based medical education (CBME), standardized training frameworks, and harmonized assessments across Europe.METHODS: In 2023, a survey among European ophthalmologists demonstrated broad consensus on establishing unified training requirements. Subsequently, a Core Working Group developed European Training Requirements (ETRs) for ophthalmology, detailing curricula, subspecialty rotations, and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) across a structured four-year residency.RESULTS: These ETRs, formally approved by UEMS in October 2024, incorporate simulation-based training, workplace-based assessments (WPBA), and innovative evaluation methods such as electronic portfolios. Certification as a European Specialist in Ophthalmology involves passing rigorous summative assessments, including the European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examination. Training institutions must offer substantial clinical exposure, robust infrastructure, and comprehensive educational resources. Faculty support, continuous quality assurance, regular audits, and clinical governance frameworks are essential.CONCLUSION: The ETRs also highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration and encourage subspecialty expansion in emerging areas like ophthalmic oncology and global ophthalmology. Designed as a dynamic, "living document," the ETRs will evolve with scientific and technological advancements, supporting high-quality ophthalmic education and practice while respecting national diversity and sovereignty.
AB - PURPOSE: Ophthalmology encompasses comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with diverse visual system disorders, significantly impacting eye health, vision, and quality of life. European ophthalmologists undergo specialized residency training to acquire necessary competencies, emphasizing theoretical knowledge, clinical and surgical skills, and professional behaviour. The European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) and the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) advocate for competency-based medical education (CBME), standardized training frameworks, and harmonized assessments across Europe.METHODS: In 2023, a survey among European ophthalmologists demonstrated broad consensus on establishing unified training requirements. Subsequently, a Core Working Group developed European Training Requirements (ETRs) for ophthalmology, detailing curricula, subspecialty rotations, and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) across a structured four-year residency.RESULTS: These ETRs, formally approved by UEMS in October 2024, incorporate simulation-based training, workplace-based assessments (WPBA), and innovative evaluation methods such as electronic portfolios. Certification as a European Specialist in Ophthalmology involves passing rigorous summative assessments, including the European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examination. Training institutions must offer substantial clinical exposure, robust infrastructure, and comprehensive educational resources. Faculty support, continuous quality assurance, regular audits, and clinical governance frameworks are essential.CONCLUSION: The ETRs also highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration and encourage subspecialty expansion in emerging areas like ophthalmic oncology and global ophthalmology. Designed as a dynamic, "living document," the ETRs will evolve with scientific and technological advancements, supporting high-quality ophthalmic education and practice while respecting national diversity and sovereignty.
KW - attitude
KW - competency
KW - curriculum
KW - education
KW - entrustable professional activity
KW - knowledge
KW - logbook
KW - ophthalmology
KW - professionalism
KW - skills
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105013742960
U2 - 10.1111/aos.17575
DO - 10.1111/aos.17575
M3 - Article
C2 - 40772599
SN - 1755-375X
VL - 104
SP - e204-e215
JO - ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
JF - ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
IS - 2
ER -