Specialty training
Ophthalmology ST1 Recruitment 2027 dates
Every Ophthalmology ST1 application window we hold, when it opens and closes, with a page for each.
Seven-year run-through ophthalmology training from ST1 to ST7.
Ophthalmology ST1 Recruitment 2027 (Round 1)
Windows
Before you apply
Who can apply for Ophthalmology ST1?
Full GMC registration at application, foundation competence within the last 3.5 years, and no more than 30 months' experience in ophthalmology (including medical ophthalmology) by the interview date. Source ↗
How do you apply for Ophthalmology ST1?
Apply on Oriel. Two adverts: England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, or Wales; apply to only one. Source ↗
How are Ophthalmology ST1 applicants shortlisted?
Mandatory MSRA; the 2027 shortlisting score is the MSRA score alone. Self-assessment (8 domains) with evidence is then verified and counts toward the final score. Source ↗
What is the Ophthalmology ST1 interview like?
Virtual, in March 2027: two stations of up to 10 minutes each (clinical knowledge; communication or ethical scenario), with 5 minutes' reading before each. About 45 minutes in total. Source ↗
How competitive is Ophthalmology ST1?
2025 Round 1: 21.54 applications per post (2,197 applications, 102 posts), NHS England. Source ↗
When does Ophthalmology ST1 start and how long is it?
Posts start August 2027 onwards; regional descriptions give a 7-year run-through programme (ST1-ST7). Source ↗
What scores for Ophthalmology ST1.
Ophthalmology: points not yet verified. We will show what it scores once we have read this year's guidance.
What is scored
NHSE South West: Ophthalmology ST1 Applicant Guide 2027 · NOT re-verified. The NHSE South West evidence-folder and applicant-guide pages for the 2026 round now return 404, and 2027 criteria are unpublished. Figures here are from the 2 Sep 2026 pass against the retired pages. Third-party guides suggest a 2026 change we have not captured: second authors may score for orals only, with posters scoring nothing.