Procedural aspects of the organization of the comprehensive European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma examination

Abstract

The comprehensive European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examination is one of 38 European medical specialty examinations. This review aims at disclosing the specific procedures and content of the EBOD examination. It is a descriptive study summarizing the present organization of the EBOD examination. It is the 3rd largest European postgraduate medical assessment after anaesthesiology and cardiology. The master language is English for the Part 1 written test (knowledge test with 52 modified type X multiple-choice questions) (in the past the written test was also available in French and German). Ophthalmology training of minimum 4 years in a full or associated European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) member state is a prerequisite. Problem-solving skills are tested in the Part 2 oral assessment, which is a viva of 4 subjects conducted in English with support for native language whenever feasible. The comprehensive EBOD examination is one of the leading examinations organized by UEMS European Boards or Specialist Sections from the point of number of examinees, item banking, and item contents.

Can ‘Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology Subspecialty Diploma in Glaucoma,’ a subspecialty examination on glaucoma induce the qualification standard of glaucoma clinical practice in Europe?

“…One of the means available to EBO is the organization of the comprehensive European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examination, which has been organized on a yearly basis since 1995 [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The EBOD diploma and the related title of Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) obtained by candidates who have been successful at the comprehensive EBOD examination ensures a minimum standard of knowledge in comprehensive, general ophthalmology among specialists and residents who are in their final or fourth year of training within UEMS (associated) countries [ 5 ]. This FEBO title has become the hallmark of a formal validation of an acquired level of knowledge in comprehensive, general ophthalmology.…”

“…Monitoring and validation of the FEBOS-Glaucoma examination will be implemented as measures of quality control following the principles of monitoring and validation of the comprehensive EBOD examination [ 5 ].…”

Cataract surgical training in Europe: European Board of Ophthalmology survey

“…This knowledge is assessed by a final examination: the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) Diploma Examination, a similar national or international examination, or both. 2 The situation regarding surgical skills is very different. Some countries require a minimum number of procedures to be performed during residency.…”

“…This knowledge is assessed by a final examination: the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) Diploma Examination, a similar national or international examination, or both. 2…”