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) - Marseille 1st
Employee
12000 - 1200 per month
Marseille 1er
As part of its business expansion, a multidisciplinary medical facility in Marseille’s 1st arrondissement, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, is seeking an ophthalmologist (M/F) for a permanent position. The terms - Permanent contract - 3 days per week - Flexible schedule The Practice You will work within a healthcare group operating at two locations in Marseille’s 1st arrondissement, comprising approximately 70 practitioners across both facilities. The practice is fully multidisciplinary, with departments dedicated to radiology, dermatology, gynecology, and psychiatry, as well as a fully operational ophthalmology unit. The central location makes it easily accessible by public transportation, and the surrounding area offers numerous amenities to support your practice. Compensation - Fixed base salary of €12,000 net - Variable component of 40% of gross revenue (including CP) if it exceeds €12,000 Responsibilities - Conduct ophthalmology consultations at the practice - See 60 to 70 patients per day while prioritizing the quality of care - Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support the patient care pathway - Organize and manage your schedule in coordination with medical management - Develop a surgical practice in collaboration with partner facilities, if desired - Share appointment slots with another practitioner to expand the range of consultation services Benefits - Fully equipped ophthalmology facility - High patient volume with the potential to increase the number of consultations - Flexible schedule and the option to share practice responsibilities - Existing partnerships for access to surgical facilities - Multidisciplinary team and extensive network of practitioners - Central location in Marseille, close to public transportation and amenities That little extra The downtown location allows you to quickly enjoy the Old Port, museums like the Mucem, and access to the Calanques for nature outings—all within a few dozen minutes. Qualifications An ophthalmologist licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered with or eligible for registration in the French Medical Council. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected]. Job posting reference: 12720 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in onboarding healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Ophthalmologist (M/F) - Toulouse 31
Employee
180000 - 350000 per year
Toulouse
We are recruiting an ophthalmologist (M/F) to join an ophthalmology practice located in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, for a temporary replacement position. The Practice You will join an ophthalmology network consisting of facilities of approximately 200 m². Each site has one to two physicians, an associate surgeon, two medical secretaries, and three to four orthoptists. The facility is fully equipped, and the organization is designed to ensure coordinated and seamless care between physicians and paramedical teams, with surgical services available at the main locations. Compensation - Guaranteed fixed salary at the legal minimum - Compensation of 35% gross of revenue (increasing to up to 40% depending on activity) Responsibilities - Conduct general and specialized consultations - Collaborate with the team to conduct evaluations and manage patient care - Provide postoperative follow-up and refer patients to dedicated facilities for surgical procedures - Participate in organizing and optimizing the medical schedule - Help coordinate with the administrative and paramedical teams Benefits - Flexible schedule based on the practitioner’s availability - Fully equipped medical facilities - Ability to perform surgery at the main locations - Limited patient volume (estimated at 70 to 80 patients per day) - Full control over procedure billing That little extra something Toulouse offers a rich cultural and scientific heritage, with the Place du Capitole in the heart of the city, the Cité de l’Espace for space enthusiasts, and the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for walks and outdoor activities. Qualifications An ophthalmologist licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered with or eligible for registration in the French Medical Board. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected]. Job Posting ID: 12733 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides you with free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Ophthalmologist M/F - Villeurbanne 69
Employee
1100 - 1300 per day
Villeurbanne
A medical facility located in Villeurbanne, in the Rhône department, is actively seeking an ophthalmologist (M/F) for a full-time or part-time permanent position. About the Facility This intimate facility, easily accessible by public transportation, offers a warm and family-like work environment. You will have a 15m² consultation room with a private restroom and will be supported by an on-site secretary. The technical equipment is brand new, including an OCT, a tonometer, slit lamps, and Topcon equipment tailored to the specialty. A project to open an ophthalmic surgery center is currently in development in Villeurbanne. The team values friendly interactions, such as weekly lunches among colleagues. Description and Responsibilities You will join a practice designed for a single ophthalmologist, supported by a dedicated team. Your responsibilities will include: - Conducting general ophthalmology consultations - Working in tandem with two orthoptists - Using state-of-the-art equipment for vision exams - Managing a moderate and controlled patient flow, with a maximum of 55 to 60 patients per day - Hours: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on Friday Compensation For this position, you will receive a daily salary of €1,100 net for 60 patients or €1,300 for 80 patients, with housing provided. Benefits - Permanent employee status - Full-time or part-time depending on availability - Daily pay of €1,300 net - New, state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment (Topcon, OCT, tonometer, etc.) - Medical secretary and two orthoptists providing ongoing support - Friendly, family-like atmosphere within the team - Center well-served by public transportation - Limited patient volume with full control over procedure billing Qualifications Ophthalmologist (M/F) holding a European medical degree with a specialty in ophthalmology, registered with the National Council of the Order of Physicians. Recent graduates are welcome. Contact us at07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 10301 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts dedicated to your needs, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. Candidates from the European Union: JoberGroup , the leader in placing healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you start your new role: - Language training (Level B2) - Connections with our partner teachers - Assistance with registration with the medical board - A dedicated consultant to support you
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