1. Admission Requirements

The call for applications shall be issued by the admitting institution in consultation with COECSA. To be considered for admission to the Residency Training Programme, an applicant shall meet the following requirements:

1.1 Academic and Professional Requirements

• The applicant must be a qualified Medical Doctor holding a certified medical degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized training institution.

• Priority for admission shall be given in the following order:

  1. Applicants who are residents of the country in which the admitting institution is located — first priority.

  2. Applicants from COECSA Member Countries — second priority.

  3. Qualified and licensed Medical Doctors from outside the COECSA region — third priority.

1.2 Supporting Documentation

Applicants shall be required to submit the following:

1. A duly completed application form and a motivation letter.

2. A valid medical license issued by the relevant regulatory authority in the country of practice.

3. Evidence of financial support/upkeep for the entire duration of training, demonstrated through a bank statement, scholarship, sponsorship, or other acceptable evidence of financial support.

4. Evidence of health and indemnity insurance covering the entire duration of the training programme.

5. A letter of commitment from the institution or health facility where the applicant will work and provide ophthalmology services following completion of training; or evidence of an existing Ophthalmology Unit/Department that has committed to absorbing the applicant upon completion of the Residency Training Programme.

6. Evidence of proficiency in English. Where the applicant’s previous medium of instruction was not English, an internationally recognized English language proficiency certificate may be required.

2. Selection Process

The selection process shall comprise an Internal Assessment and a Competency-Based Interview conducted by a panel comprising key stakeholders.

2.1 Internal Assessment

• All applications shall be reviewed and assessed by a designated selection panel of the admitting institution.

• Applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements and are shortlisted shall undertake an internal Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) assessment in Ophthalmology to evaluate their foundational knowledge and understanding of the specialty.

• The results of the internal assessment shall inform the shortlisting process for the competency-based interview.

2.2 Competency-Based Interview

The Competency-Based Interview shall be conducted in accordance with an approved interview guide and shall be undertaken by a panel comprising representatives from COECSA, the admitting institution, and, where applicable, the relevant Ministry of Health and/or Medical Council.

The interview panel shall comprise:

• A representative of the Chairperson, COECSA Education and Accreditation Committee.

• Two (2) Faculty Members, who shall be Ophthalmologists, from the admitting institution.

• A representative of the Administration/Human Resources Department of the admitting institution.

• The COECSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and/or Education and Training Manager, serving in an ex-officio capacity.

2.3 Interview Decision and Approval

1. The interview panel shall assess candidates against the approved competency-based interview criteria and make recommendations regarding admission.

2. The two Faculty Members from the admitting institution shall have the authority to withhold approval of an applicant where both members independently determine that the candidate does not meet the required standards for admission.

3. Where both Faculty Members decline to approve the application following the interview, the applicant shall not be recommended for admission.

2.4 Virtual Interviews

Where necessary, Competency-Based Interviews may be conducted virtually using an approved video-conferencing platform, such as Zoom.

For virtual interviews:

• All interview panel members and candidates shall register in advance for the scheduled meeting.

• All interview panel members and candidates shall join the meeting at the designated time.

• Candidates shall be placed in a virtual waiting room and admitted individually when required.

• Appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and fairness of the interview process.