[5] In 2011, the ICO introduced an online Professional Competency Scheme, to comply with new legislation and Irish Medical Council regulations.

[6][7] The ICO also collaborates with the Health Service Executive[8] and engages in outreach and education for patients and the general public.

Trainees work as Senior House Officers over a minimum of three years at hospital sites in one of three combinations: Formal training includes use of surgical simulators, continuous assessment and a mandatory human factors course.

[9] During the BST, trainees sit examinations at RVEEH to gain Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the MRCSI (Ophth) qualification.

[10] At the end of the BST, successful trainees receive the Certificate of Completion of Basic Surgical Training (CCBST), with which they may apply for the competitive HST programme.