Your pathway through the Ophthalmology residency
- 1Selection exam (OMRSE)
150 single-best-answer MCQs in 2 hours 45 minutes, delivered by Pearson VUE. Required for entry to OMSB residency.
Practise for the OMRSE → - 2Application & interview
Apply through the OMSB e-portal (typically November–December), then interview with the Ophthalmology Education Committee (January–February). Matching follows in April and results in May.
- 3Residency training
Training starts on 1 September and lasts 5 years, with end-of-year written exams (pass mark 50% in R1–R2 and 60% from R3) and workplace assessments.
- 4OMSB Part I
Written exam of 2 hours 30 minutes, usually taken in R2. It must be passed to progress from R3 to R4; a maximum of three attempts applies.
- 5OMSB Part II
Final written exam (5 hours) followed by a clinical exam for those who pass the written part — first sitting in the last six months of training.
- 6Specialty certificate
“Oman Medical Specialty Board in Ophthalmology”.
Ophthalmology Part I blueprint
- 1Cornea and external diseases13%
- 2Paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus13%
- 3Anterior segment10%
- 4Glaucoma10%
- 5Neuroophthalmology10%
- 6Oculoplasty and orbital tumors10%
- 7Optics and refraction10%
- 8Retina and vitreous diseases10%
- 9Uveitis8%
- 10Patient safety and ethics6%
- Accepted difference: +/-10% overall
Ophthalmology Part II blueprint
- 1Cataract/anterior segment12.5%
- 2Cornea and external diseases12.5%
- 3Glaucoma12.5%
- 4Neuro-ophthalmology12.5%
- 5Oculoplasty and orbital tumors12.5%
- 6Pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus12.5%
- 7Retina and vitreous12.5%
- 8Uveitis7.5%
- 9Refraction and refractive surgery5%
Admission requirements
Eligibility
- MBBS/MD or equivalent from an accredited college
- Completed internship year
- Medically fit for the chosen specialty
- Pass the OMRSE selection exam and the interview
- Three consultant recommendation letters and sponsor release approval
- Non-Omanis: financial sponsorship for the full training period
Documents
- Employer approval form and OMSB-format CV
- National ID / passport and 2×2 photo
- MD certificate and transcripts (foreign degrees attested and equated)
- Internship certificate
- Valid BLS and ACLS
- Health assessment with serology results
- Non-Omanis: good standing, non-conviction and Dataflow-verified certificates
Frequently asked questions
How do I get into the OMSB Ophthalmology residency?
Applicants need an MBBS/MD or equivalent, a completed internship and medical fitness. They then sit the Oman Medical Residency Selection Examination (OMRSE), apply through the OMSB e-portal and attend an interview with the programme’s Education Committee. Non-Omani applicants need financial sponsorship for the full training period.
How long is the OMSB Ophthalmology residency?
According to OMSB, the Ophthalmology programme lasts 5 years. OMSB bylaws allow up to two extra years for residents who do not complete training in the expected time.
What is in the OMSB Ophthalmology Part I exam?
The Part I written exam lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and covers 10 blueprint categories. The published blueprint allows an overall difference of ±10% from the stated weights.
What is in the OMSB Ophthalmology Part II exam?
The Part II written exam lasts 5 hours and covers 9 blueprint categories. Candidates who pass the written part go on to the clinical part.
How many attempts are allowed for OMSB Part I and Part II?
OMSB’s Part I & II examination rules allow a maximum of three Part I attempts, with re-sits within one year of the first attempt. For Part II, candidates who fail may have further attempts within three years of the first attempt, after which additional training is required. Rules can change, so always check the current OMSB policy.
What certificate do I receive?
Residents who complete training and pass Part II receive the OMSB Specialty Certificate, titled “Oman Medical Specialty Board in Ophthalmology”.
Blueprints are taken from the official OMSB Written Examination Section documents. Programme details come from omsb.gov.om. This is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Oman Medical Specialty Board — always confirm current rules with OMSB.