This examination is open to candidates who have passed the Part 2 FRCOphth Written Component and is held twice a year. Candidates in OST are required to pass this examination by the end of year seven of ophthalmic specialist training.

The structure is based on learning outcomes from the curriculum in its entirety. The syllabus is assessed by a structured viva and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Candidates are permitted a maximum of four attempts at the Part 2 FRCOphth Oral Component. Part 2 FRCOphth examination attempts prior to August 2014 do not count towards the number of attempts available.

Success in the Part 2 FRCOphth examination leads to the award of Fellowship and the post-nominals FRCOphth. International Medical Graduates (IMG) should note that the award of FRCOphth does not permit exemption from the PLAB test.