The Postgraduate in-service training programme and passing of the relevant examinations of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine of the University of Colombo will lead to the degree of MD (Ophthalmology) awarded by the University of Colombo. The successful completion of post MD training programme will entitle the trainee to be eligible for Board Certification as a specialist in Ophthalmology by the PGIM on the recommendation of Board of study in Ophthalmology. The objective of the training programme shall be to ensure that the trainee gains adequate knowledge, clinical acumen, procedural skills, communicative skills and attitudes which will enable the trainee to practice as an ophthalmologist. The trainee should also acquire the professional skills to be an effective leader and a manager in the provision of health information and care, and organization of services. The trainee will also need to be able to design and conduct audits and research projects, critically appraise research publications and be committed to the practice of evidence-based medicine and continuing professional development. The trainee will also be exposed to important areas in professionalism and moral and ethical conduct.

After entering the training programme candidate goes through a structured training programme in units recognized by the PGIM for three years before being eligible for the MD examination. This is a time-based programme with criteria for satisfactory training built in. Assessment of training will be done regularly and necessary steps will be taken by the Board of Study (BOS) to improve the standard of the trainee. The BOS reserves the right to modify the time periods and criteria required for satisfactory training from time to time with adequate notice. After the MD examination the trainee could decide on subspecialty training.

If the trainee decides to be a general ophthalmologist, he/ she will work in a senior registrar capacity for two years. It will be one-year local training and one year overseas training in an approved centre. During the training period the trainee is expected to conduct an approved research project and based on that submit a Dissertation. The trainee should maintain a portfolio during pre and post MD period. The trainee will have to appear for pre board certification assessment and once this is passed the trainee will be considered for board certification as a specialist in general ophthalmology.

If the trainee decides to undergo training in a subspecialty the post MD training period would be three years. The details of subspecialty training programmes are given in the pertinent prospectuses dealing with the relevant subspecialties.

Eligibility criteria to sit for the common selection A candidate should:

1. Hold a medical degree registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council
2. Complete an internship recognized by the Sri Lanka Medical Council
3. Complete one year work experience in Sri Lanka, after internship
4. Have 6 months of surgical experience ( Surgery or Obstetrics and Gynaecology) at pre- registration House Officer or Senior House Officer level
5. Produce a medical certificate from a consultant physician, indicating general mental and physical
fitness and to comply with any other PGIM regulations.
6. If a trainee develops a health condition which would compromise his/her ability to train and function as a surgeon, it is his/her responsibility to duly notify in writing of such conditions to the PGIM.

Please refer to the relevant prospectus for the most up to date information. The prospectus of a particular programme contains official information pertaining to a programme approved by the Board of Management, University Senate and the University Grants Commission