Augenarzt Jobs
Specialist Training in Ophthalmologyguide

Specialist Training in Ophthalmology

Specialist training in ophthalmology takes 60 months under the Model Postgraduate Training Regulations and is competency-based in structure. This guide explains the framework, case number requirements, the eLogbook, the specialist examination, and the roles of DOG and BVA.

Duration and Framework

Specialist training to become a consultant ophthalmologist comprises a training period of 60 months — five years — under the Model Postgraduate Training Regulations (Muster-Weiterbildungsordnung, MWBO) of the German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer), carried out under supervision at recognised training institutions. This standard duration is confirmed by the postgraduate training regulations of the regional medical chambers, including the Ärztekammer Westfalen-Lippe and the Ärztekammer Nordrhein.

The legally binding framework is always the postgraduate training regulations of the regional medical chamber in whose jurisdiction you are working. The MWBO is the nationwide template on which the regional chambers base their own regulations; as a result, content and case number requirements are broadly consistent, though they may differ in detail.

Structure and Content

The ophthalmology section of the MWBO 2018 is organised on a competency-based basis. The specialty definition encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and rehabilitation of anatomical and functional disorders of the visual organ and its adnexa, including optometry and plastic-reconstructive surgery of the periorbital region.

The content is structured around two competency pillars: cognitive and methodological competence (knowledge) and practical competence (experience and skills). The latter is underpinned by case number requirements. In terms of subject matter, the training is divided into the following areas, among others: emergencies; eyelids, lacrimal system, and orbit; conjunctiva, cornea, and sclera; uvea; retina and vitreous; strabological, paediatric, and neuro-ophthalmological conditions; oncological conditions; glaucoma; lens and refractive surgery; diagnostic procedures; optometry; and ophthalmic pathology.

Case Number Requirements and Catalogue

Case number requirements indicate how many times a given procedure should be documented over the course of training. They serve as reference values for the acquisition of competency. The MWBO 2018 includes, among others, the following case number requirements:

  • Surgical procedures on the eyelids, lacrimal system, and orbit: 50
  • Minor surgical procedures on the conjunctiva and cornea: 50
  • Laser surgical procedures on the retina: 50
  • Intravitreal injections (IVI): 25
  • Surgical procedures for glaucoma: 25
  • Surgical procedures on the rectus muscles: 10
  • Optical coherence tomography and/or optic disc tomography: 300
  • Assessment and spectacle correction of refractive errors: 250
  • Functional examinations of visual performance: 300
  • Examination of the entire retina in diabetes mellitus: 150
  • Gonioscopy: 100
  • Ultrasound examinations of the eye and its adnexa: 100

An important clarification: the MWBO 2018 does not specify a numerical case number requirement for cataract surgery or other intraocular lens procedures performed as primary surgeon. These are described in the regulations as first-assist roles in lens surgery and refractive surgical procedures, as well as first-assist roles in keratoplasty, vitrectomy, and trabeculectomy. It is therefore not possible to derive a specific minimum number of independently performed cataract operations from the MWBO 2018. In practice, however, independent surgical experience remains a central career issue — it is simply not governed by an MWBO case number requirement.

Logbook and eLogbook

Training is documented using the logbook. The electronic eLogbook of the German Medical Association launched on 1 July 2020 and reflects the competency-based training framework adopted by resolution of the 121st German Medical Assembly in 2018. Trainees continuously document their training content, supervising physicians confirm the acquisition of competencies, verify the case numbers achieved, and record formal training discussions. Registration takes place exclusively through the member portal of the relevant regional medical chamber. The fully completed logbook — or the release of the eLogbook to the chamber — is a prerequisite for admission to the specialist examination.

Specialist Examination

Training concludes with an oral specialist examination before an examination board of the regional medical chamber. According to the Ärztekammer Berlin, the board consists of an examining chair and two examiners; the examination lasts at least 30 minutes. Among the documents required for admission are original training certificates and the completed logbook or eLogbook release. The format and specific requirements may vary slightly between regional chambers; however, an oral examination before an examination board is standard practice throughout Germany.

Role of DOG and BVA

The Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft (DOG) is the specialty's medical-scientific learned society, founded in 1857 and thus the oldest ophthalmological society in the world. It offers the two-year Ophthalmological Fundamentals Course for doctors in postgraduate training and recommends a mandatory clinical period of at least 24 months at ophthalmology departments as part of a well-rounded training programme. Since 2024, it has jointly operated a subspecialisation fellowship programme with the BVA.

The Berufsverband der Augenärztinnen und Augenärzte Deutschlands (BVA) is the professional representative body for ophthalmologists, founded in 1950. It offers training-related resources including the refraction course (Schober-Kurs), the BVA Specialist Examination Revision Course for use in the fourth and fifth years of training, and the BVA Starter Package for doctors in postgraduate training.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How long does specialist training in ophthalmology take?

Under the Model Postgraduate Training Regulations of the German Medical Association, the training period is 60 months — five years — to be completed under supervision at recognised training institutions.

Is there a minimum number of cataract operations required?

The MWBO 2018 does not specify a numerical case number requirement for cataract surgery performed as primary surgeon. These procedures are described as first-assist roles. Case number requirements do exist, however, for procedures such as eyelid surgery, glaucoma surgery, and retinal laser treatment.

What is the eLogbook?

The eLogbook is the electronic documentation system of the German Medical Association, launched on 1 July 2020. It is used to record knowledge, skills, and case numbers achieved, which are then confirmed by supervising physicians. Registration takes place through the relevant regional medical chamber.

What does the specialist examination involve?

The examination is oral and takes place before an examination board of the regional medical chamber. According to the Ärztekammer Berlin, the board consists of a chair and two examiners, and the examination lasts at least 30 minutes.

What role do DOG and BVA play in postgraduate training?

The DOG is the scientific learned society and offers, among other things, the Ophthalmological Fundamentals Course. The BVA is the professional representative body and provides resources such as the Schober-Kurs refraction course and the Specialist Examination Revision Course.