Becoming an ophthalmologist requires rigorous academic commitment and great determination. Before practicing this beautiful profession, the courageous student will have to travel a complex but necessary path to achieve the high degree of specialization expected. If you're interested in becoming an ophthalmologist, or would like to know how many years of study it takes to become an ophthalmologist, you've come to the right place! Together, we'll answer all your questions about studying to become an ophthalmologist.
Basic steps in ophthalmology training
After the baccalauréat
Before entering higher education, aspiring ophthalmologists need to pass the baccalauréat, preferably in a scientific stream, as this requires a solid foundation that other streams don't offer. Thereafter, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between :
- The Specific Health Access Pathway (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Années Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor in another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
- Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
- The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the single PACES exam, while diversifying students' skills.
- The Health Access Licence (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, literature, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, favoring skills and reorientation.
General medical studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), general medical studies are divided into two parts:
- The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
- Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialist courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
End-of-clerkship examinations
During the final year of the second cycle, students must pass a series of exams which, depending on their results and rankings, will enable them to make their choice of specialty, as well as city. Here's the list:
- Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and account for 60% of the final grade. To pass, students must obtain a mark of at least 14/20 in theoretical knowledge useful to all doctors, regardless of their specialty.
- Objective and Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE): These are held in May and account for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum mark is 10/20.
- Notre de parcours universitaire: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final grade.
Specialization in ophthalmology
Once they have completed their general medical studies , students specializing in ophthalmology enter a five-year residency program. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:
- theoreticaltraining: interns follow theoretical courses covering the various aspects of ophthalmology. They attend conferences and congresses to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
- Practicaltraining : ophthalmology interns take part in outpatient consultations under the supervision of experienced ophthalmologists. They learn to diagnose and treat ocular pathologies.
In addition, ophthalmology interns must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. Once they have completed this specialization and validated their internships, they are awarded the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Ophtalmologie (DES). After 11 years of study to become an ophthalmologist, the student can officially practise this profession, or superspecialize in retinology, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology or oculoplastic surgery.
Careers and professional opportunities in ophthalmology
Status of ophthalmologists
Young ophthalmologists registered with the Ordre des Médecins can now apply for jobs as ophthalmologists. They will also have to choose the status under which they will practice:
- Liberal: ophthalmologists work as independent professionals in their own practices or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. They are free to manage their own schedules, choose their own equipment and set their own fees. However, they must assume administrative and financial responsibility for their activity.
- Salaried : ophthalmologists may be employed by public hospitals, health centers or practices. This gives them access to state-of-the-art medical equipment and job stability, but less autonomy than self-employment.
Find out more on our ophthalmologist salary page.
Where ophthalmologists work
Ophthalmologists can choose to practice in a variety of locations, including :
- Private practices
- Hospitals and university hospitals
- Private clinics
- Health centers
- Institutes
- Research laboratories
- Humanitarian organizations
In short, ophthalmology studies are long and demanding. From initial selection via the PASS or L.AS, to specialized training during internship and super-specializations, each stage is designed to train experts capable of responding to complex needs.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more, take a look at our ophthalmologist job description!
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Ophthalmologist M/F - Bourg-en-Bresse 01
Liberal
5000 - 15000 per month
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Job Ophthalmologist M/F - Bourg-en-Bresse 01 We are recruiting an ophthalmologist H/F on a liberal basis to join an ophthalmology center located in Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain). This position offers you the opportunity to work as an associate within a dynamic, well-equipped structure. Description and missions You will practice in a modern environment, benefiting from work assisted with orthoptists and optimized organization to focus on your practice. - Consultations : 4 days a week in assisted work with orthoptists - Surgery : 1 half-day per week for procedures such as cataract and other specialties - State-of-the-art equipment: OCT, YAG and Argon lasers, Zeiss biometer, retinograph, dedicated IVT room - Surgical platform: procedures performed within a partnerclinic. Structure DNA The center is organized to guarantee a controlled flow of patients and optimized medical practice. You'll benefit from full administrative management and structured access to patient files, giving you a high degree of autonomy in your activity. You'll work as part of a team of talented healthcare professionals: ophthalmologists, orthoptists, optometrists and medical secretaries. Compensation Retrocession of 50%, representing a potential of €400,000 to €600,000 gross annually, depending on patient volume. Benefits - 6 weeks annual leave - 2 weeks dedicated to training and congresses - Complete administrative management for a simplified practice - Total control over procedure quotations - Easier practice thanks to work assisted by an orthoptist Profiles sought: DES in ophthalmology obtained in France or within the European Union, registered or registrable with the Conseil national de l'ordre des médecins in France. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, will support you free of charge right up to the start of your activity. A consultant will help you learn the language, put you in touch with our partner teachers, and follow up on your registration with the French medical association. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 Advertisement reference : 9689 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Ophthalmologist - Lorient 56 M/F
Employee
1000 - 1500 per day
Lorient
Job Ophthalmologist M/F - Lorient 56 We are looking for 2-3 ophthalmologists M/F to join a medical facility located in Lorient. This facility, open since 1992 and with a recently created ophthalmology pole, offers a unique opportunity for specialists in consultation and surgery (cataract, laser, retina, etc). The position offers a full-time permanent contract, requiring a minimum of 3 days' presence per week. Average working hours are 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday. As an ophthalmologist on our team, you will work alongside professionals from a variety of specialties (urologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist, digestive and vascular surgeon, plastic surgeon, etc.). The unit has 12 operating rooms, including 2 endoscopic rooms, and a team of 500 employees. There is no orthoptist at present, but we are open to this possibility depending on the practitioner's needs. With a constant concern for ethical conduct, you'll have the assurance of controlled patient flow, as well as total control over the quotation of your procedures. Lorient, Brittany's seaport, combines economic dynamism with a maritime quality of life. Lorient, 3 hours from Paris by train and 10 minutes from the sea, is a popular tourist resort in summer, offering an exceptional living environment close to the coast and 1h45 from Rennes. Your salary will depend on your experience and the FEHAP collective agreement. What's more, you'll enjoy benefits such as 30 days paid vacation per year, 18 days RTT, a CSE with ticketing, etc. Health insurance is covered at 100%, and free parking is available for staff. A catering area is also available at an attractive rate. Position benefits: - Full-time, permanent employee status. - Salary according to experience - Minimum 3 days/week - Multidisciplinary team - Modern, well-equipped structure - 30 CP per year + 18 RTT - CSE and various social benefits - Mutuelle taken at 100% - Free parking Profiles sought: DES in ophthalmology obtained in France or within the European Union, Registered or registrable with the Conseil national de l'ordre des médecins in France Applicants from the European Union: Jober Group, accompanies you free of charge until you start your business: - Language learning (Level B2) / Connection with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration - Consultant dedicated to your support Contact us at: 06.67.17.15.28 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Ophthalmologist M/F - Blanquefort 33
Liberal
2500 - 8000 per month
Ludon-Médoc
Job Ophthalmologist M/F - Blanquefort 33 We are recruiting an ophthalmologist M/F to join a modern and well-equipped ophthalmology center, located in Blanquefort (Gironde), within the framework of a liberal collaboration starting September 2025. Description and tasks - 4 days of consultations with orthoptists and assistants. - 0.5 to 1 day of surgery (cataracts as a priority, other specialties welcome) - Consultations carried out at the center and surgeries performed at a partner clinic - Performant technical platform with OCT, retinograph, Zeiss biometer, Yag and Argon laser, IVT room - Computer software dedicated to ophthalmology (Studio Vision type) Structure DNA The facility is located a few kilometers from Bordeaux, in a pleasant and dynamic town. As soon as you settle in, you'll be supported by the team in place to facilitate your integration and enable you to concentrate solely on your medical practice. The facility covers an area of 143 m² on the first floor, with two consultation rooms, an OCT room, an IVT room and a contactology room. Working conditions are ideal, allowing you to easily balance your professional life with your private life. Compensation For this position, you will benefit from a remuneration of 45% of total amounts collected in consultation and surgery (50% after 1 year). Benefits - Teamwork with 2 orthoptists/optometrists and 2 medical secretaries - Fully equipped, independent center - No on-call duty - Administrative and logistical management provided - Regular training courses - Pleasant living environment close to Bordeaux - 6 weeks vacation per year Profiles sought: DES in ophthalmology obtained in France or within the European Union, registered or registrable with the Conseil national de l'ordre des médecins in France. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, accompanies you free of charge right up to the start of your activity. A consultant will help you learn the language, put you in touch with our partner teachers, and follow up on the registration process. Contact us at : 07 44 71 65 08 Advertisement reference : 9792 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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