The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) is the medical college responsible for the training and professional development of ophthalmologists in Australia and New Zealand.

• Alice Springs Hospital - one training position. Rotations to Alice Springs are six months in duration. Training network with South Australia.
• Royal Darwin Hospital - two training positions, one Junior and one Senior. Rotations to Darwin are generally three months in duration. Training network with Sydney Eye Hospital. One position via the Regionally Enhanced Training Network (RETN) – Top End Pathway. Trainee commences training in Darwin remaining for 24 months, before rotating through WA placements for the remaining three years of their training.

• To be used as a guide only - refer to the relevant health service and RANZCO for current training post accreditation options.
  

To be successfully selected onto the RANZCO Vocational Training Program (VTP), an applicant must be short-listed by RANZCO and then selected by a Training Network Selection Committee, including being extended an offer of employment.

• A medical degree with full registration to practice medicine in either Australia or New Zealand at the time of applying.
• Citizenship or permanent resident status in Australia or New Zealand (an applicant’s citizenship or residency status must be confirmed by 1 April of the year/s they apply to enter the VTP).
• Completed a minimum of two years full-time equivalent (with a minimum of 47 weeks full-time equivalent (FTE) per year) post graduate pre-vocational experience (including the intern year) when you enter the VTP, which must include a minimum of 18 months of broad experience in medical, clinical and surgical settings other than ophthalmology.

RANZCO is tasked with the assessment of Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) in ophthalmology on behalf of both the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). It is recommended that SIMGs familiarise themselves with the RANZCO Vocational Training Program and its Curriculum Standards in order to make an informed decision prior to application.

See here for more information about SIMG applications

The RANZCO Vocational Training Program is a five-year training program which can be completed over a maximum duration of 12 years (to allow for periods of interruption due to leave, etc). Upon completion, graduates are eligible to be admitted as Fellows of the College (FRANZCO).

• Basic Training – two years of basic training during which Trainees must demonstrate integrated clinical skills and knowledge in the Ophthalmic Sciences (OS) and the Ophthalmic Basic Competencies and Knowledge (OBCK).
• Advanced Training – two years of advanced training during which Trainees are expected to demonstrate integrated knowledge, clinical and surgical skills as documented in the clinical standards.
• Final Year Training – a final year during which the Trainee develops their specialist experience in preparation for specialist qualification and to function in the community as an independent general ophthalmologist.