Overview

The Advanced (FICO) ICO examination is offered to ophthalmologists who have passed the complete Basic Science (including Theoretical Optics & Refraction) and the Clinical Science or an examination of similar standard recognised by the International Council of Ophthalmology.

The examination will test up-to-date knowledge and a high level of common sense decision making. Passing it will, along with a local face-to-face examination will entitle the successful candidate to use the post-nominal acronym (PNA) FICO.

The examination takes three hours and is presented in a booklet and will focus on twelve elements of clinical sciences. The Examination will comprise 10 Extended matching-type of questions and 75 context setting description (written, visual or graphical) each with 4 associated statements which require a True/False response.

In addition to responding to the true/false question, candidates must also indicate their level of certainty with regards to their response. This indication of certainty will be used to reward correct responses and penalise incorrect response.

The candidates enter their answers on response sheets which are computer marked. A positive mark is awarded for each correct answer. no mark is given to those questions marked incorrectly or left blank. The computerised results are then analysed by the Examinations Committee.