Yes, this is possible, although the ICO Examinations Committee advise against it. Statistics show that candidates who take both exams on the same day have a lower pass rate than those who take the exams in separate years.

Payment can be made by cheque to the “International Council of Ophthalmology Examinations”. This payment can be made in Swiss Francs of US Dollars. Payment can also be made directly into the ICO bank account. Account information can be obtained from the ICO Examinations office.

Bursaries are available to candidates who are unable to afford the fee. Application forms can be obtained from and submitted to the ICO Examinations office. Application for a bursary have to be authorised by a co-ordinator or tutor in his/her own country.

Candidates wishing to withdraw their applications must do in writing. If a candidate withdraws before the closing date for applications a full refund is given (less a small administrative charge)

A candidate who is absent or fails to turn up does not receive any refund. In the case of illness, if a candidate produces a valid medical certificate, a refund is given at the discretion of the Chairman of the Examinations Committee.

a) ICO Basic Science – The Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians of Glasgow will exempt those who have passed the complete Basic Science Assessment (including Optics and Refraction) from Section A of their FRCS Ophthalmology examination.

b) ICO Clinical Science - The Royal college of Surgeons and Physicians of Glasgow will exempt those who have passed the Clinical Sciences Assessment from FRCS Ophthalmology Part B MCQ paper and exemption from the clinical component of the PLAB examination in the UK

Calculators can be taken into the ICO Examination room. No other electronic device may be used.

You can change your test centre up until the closing date. Anyone wishing to change their test centre after this date should email the Examinations Executive.

If a certificate is lost an authorised copy can be sent. This certificate will be embossed with the word “Copy”.

There isn’t a time limit between taking the Examinations. The ICO Examinations Committee suggest that the Basic Science is taken in the 1st/2nd year of training and the Clinical Sciences in the 3rd/4th year of training.

Please apply to the ICO Examination office stating where you would like to take the examination. The Examination office will try to organise for a co-ordinator in your local area or as close as possible to your desired location.