Ophthalmology
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Competition
Very high
Qualification
FRANZCO
Training duration
5 years (basic and advanced training through RANZCO training networks)
Applications
Applications typically open December and close late March (2026 round closed 27 March 2026, 9:00 am AEDT). Asynchronous Video Interview (AVI) held in April. Training network interviews June–July.
Selection format
Asynchronous Video Interview (AVI) — applicants record video responses to prompts remotely (formerly called Multiple Mini Interviews/MMI). AVI scores 30 of 65 centralised RANZCO points — the highest-weighted single component. Training networks may also conduct local in-person interviews June–July.
When to apply
By February of the training year, applicants must have 2 years full-time equivalent hospital experience including at least 18 months in non-ophthalmic settings. Citizenship or permanent residency of Australia or New Zealand required by 1 April of the application year.
Competition
Approximately 33 Australian training positions per year (plus 7 in New Zealand). Many applicants apply 2–3 times before gaining entry. AVI performance, ophthalmic experience, and research are the decisive factors.
Selection criteria
Clinical experience
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
- Ophthalmic clinical experience — 0–4 base points (12+ months full-time = 4), plus bonus points for acute on-call (10+ weeks in last 2 years) and procedural volume (10 laser capsulotomies + 30 intravitreal injections in last 3 years)
Rural & regional
Rural, regional, and remote experience
- Regional/rural exposure — adult years 1.25 points per continuous year (minimum 2.5-point threshold to count), formative K–12 years 1 point per year; 7 points max for 5+ continuous or 10 cumulative years
First Nations
Selection points and pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants
- First Nations selection points — Māori, Pacific, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin scores 8 of 65 centralised points (Indigeneity and Ethnicity category)
Academic
Exams, qualifications, courses, and teaching
- Academic qualification — PhD completed 5 points, Masters completed 2, Diploma 1 (Scholar component, academic sub-max 5)
Publications & research
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
- Research publications — first/last-author paper in a major journal (JIF >4) scores 2 points per paper; lesser journal 1 point per paper (research sub-max 4 of Scholar 8)
Extracurricular
Leadership and roles beyond clinical work
Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCO.
Distinction
Prizes, awards, and academic standing
Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCO.
Eligibility & application
Prerequisites, referees, interviews, and fees
- AVI (Asynchronous Video Interview) — 30 of 65 centralised RANZCO points (highest single component)
- Referee reports — 6 of 65 centralised points; must be from clinicians who know you directly
- Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency (required by 1 April of application year)
- Non-refundable application fee: AUD $1,890 + GST (reimbursed for First Nations/Māori/Pacific applicants via ANZEF — one attempt per applicant)
Entry tips
Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RANZCO.
Recent updates
Re-verified against live RANZCO scoring criteria: CV Review is 29 of 65 points — Indigeneity and Ethnicity (Māori, Pacific, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin) scores 8 points, Scholar 8, Regional 7, Ophthalmic Experience up to 6 with on-call and procedural bonuses. Application fee reimbursement for First Nations/Māori/Pacific applicants is funded by ANZEF, one attempt per applicant.
RANZCO renamed Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) to Asynchronous Video Interview (AVI) — interviews are now pre-recorded video responses, not live. AVI date for 2026 round: April 2026. Check RANZCO website for the next round's AVI date.
2026 application fee: AUD $1,890 + GST (non-refundable). Applications for 2027 training year closed 27 March 2026. Approximately 33 Australian positions across all networks.
Indicative only. Check the RANZCO website for current information.
Official resources
RANZCO VTP Selection
Application process, eligibility, forms, and timeline — start here
RANZCO Scoring Criteria
Exact point breakdown: AVI (30), CV Review (29 = Indigeneity 8 · Scholar 8 · Regional 7 · Ophthalmic Experience 6), Referees (6)
RANZCO Selection FAQs
Eligibility requirements, AVI format, application cost, and common questions
RANZCO VTP Overview
Vocational Training Program structure, curriculum standards, and examinations
RANZCO Training Network Info
Positions available by network and state — see how many posts are offered per location
State workforce data
Queensland Health’s medi-nav is the only state health department currently publishing the workforce and selection figures this section shows. We have not verified equivalent data for Tasmania yet — the selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia-wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.
Community discussions
Recent discussion about Ophthalmology training from Australian doctors.
Search r/ausdocs and r/doctorsofaustraliaRequirements, windows, and criteria change annually. Verify with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) before making career decisions. Report an error on this page.