A group of 69 applicants seeking to become the first recipients of the FEBOS-R completed the examination process on Wednesday 4th of October, the day before the start of the Euretina Congress. While registration for next year’s exams will not open until November, physicians interested in pursuing the FEBOS-R diploma can begin to prepare by attending the YOURS FEBO courses on Friday, October 6.
Developed as a collaboration between the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) and Euretina, the FEBOS-R qualification is designed to certify specialist knowledge in retina. The exam consists of two parts – an online multiple choice question (MCQ) exam and an in-person viva voce exam. The MCQ section consists of 100 questions. It was taken earlier this year by 109 candidates of whom 69 had a passing score and were eligible for the viva voce exam. The viva voce portion is a 1-hour exam in which candidates spend 15 minutes at each of 4 “stations” being interviewed by retina experts on a series of
cases covering 8 subspecialty subjects. The interviews assess candidates’ diagnostic and management acumen of cases representing the following subjects:
• Age-related Macular Degeneration/Central Serous Chorioretinopathy & Imaging
• Diabetes and Vascular Eye Diseases &; Uveitis
• Inherited Retinal Disease & Ocular Oncology (Tumours)
• Vitreo-Retinal Surgery & Myopia
Why take the exam?
The FEBOS-R exam was developed by a special Euretina exam Working Group, chaired by Dr Nicole Eter (University of Muenster), and drawing on the expertise and knowledge of Euretina Board and Subspecialty section members. Its purpose is to certify a theoretical knowledge to independently manage patients. “The FEBOS-R qualification programme brings together the missions of Euretina, which are to promote the most up-to-date science, encourage evidence-based practice, and provide the best care and outcomes for patients, with the missions of the EBO, which are to harmonise knowledge and training in ophthalmology to promote better patient care across Europe,” said Dr Eter. “Candidates who achieve FEBOS-R designation have proof that they have met standards set by Euretina. And ultimately, the programme serves patients and the wider community, because as the standard for retina specialists across Europe is harmonised, fellowships and other opportunities for those training to become retina specialists can use the exam to inform their training.”
How to prepare
Organised by the EURETINA YOURS committee, a set of 4 1-hour FEBO courses is being offered on Friday 6th October. The courses are covering inherited retinal disease, myopia, tumours, age-related macula degeneration, and central serous chorioretinopathy and will be led by well-known retinal specialists and younger colleagues. Otherwise, Euretina does not prescribe specific textbooks or activities to prepare for the FEBOS-R exam. In fact, information in textbooks can be outdated. Therefore, candidates are encouraged instead to engage in a range of educational opportunities and learn from their practical experience. The required experience/qualifications to take the exam and a recommended reading list for the 2023 exam are posted here.
Keep an eye on the Euretina website for information about applying for the 2024 FEBOS-R exam.
