The New Zealand Training Network comprises 31 training posts, with 27 located in the metro and four in regional locations. As at 1 December 2024, there are five trainees to be recruited through the 2025 selection process, for accredited training positions commencing in 2026. Additional training posts may become available to trainees to be matched in 2025/26.

The first year of training

The first year of training can be challenging due to the rigours of learning and the need to be on-call. Pre-vocational work experience in ophthalmology is highly desirable, as trainees are required to provide a wide range of ophthalmology services early in training. NZ network expects their basic trainees to have had at least 12 months full-time equivalent experience as a non-training registrar by the time they commence the VTP, however candidates early in their career are encouraged to apply and will be appraised according to the published criteria. First year trainees can commence their rotation at either urban or non-urban training posts. NZ Network is focused on long-term workforce sustainability to address maldistribution in ophthalmic service provision in both geographical and subspecialty areas; pre-vocational work experience in ophthalmology is essential and ophthalmic experience attained in New Zealand is highly desirable.

Selection

The New Zealand Training Network’s selection process contributes 35% of the total score used in Selection and is allocated as follows:

Item		RANZCO weighting (65 pts)		NZ Network weighting (35 pts)
CV review		29 pts		18 pts
	Indigenous		8 pts		2 pts
	Regional		7 pts		0 pts
	Scholar		8 pts		1 pts
	Ophthalmic experience		6 pts		15 pts
Referee reports (incl. Medical expert and professional attributes)		6 pts
Multiple Mini Interviews		30 pts
Network Interview (The local interview will be clinically focused, assessing seven key CanMEDS competencies, and tailored to the context of the New Zealand healthcare system.)		N/A		15 pts
360 Feedback		N/A		2 pts

*The NZ Network may also allocate 2 bonus points at their discretion to “Other attributes” to deserving applicants.

 

The Network will not necessarily contact all applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who have nominated New Zealand as a preferred training network. Of those who are contacted, a local interview will be arranged. Further details on what to expect during the interview will be provided prior to the interview.

The PoWH Training Network comprises nine training posts, with six located in Sydney and three in regional NSW locations.

In 2023, there were 10 trainees in the PoWH network, with two starting in 2024. This makes the network one of the smaller training networks administered by the College.

PoWH has a well-supported research sector and is invested in strengthening research outcomes through trainees and Fellows.

The first year of training

First years are very well supported while working in a team. There is a strong focus on teamwork, communication, skill acquisition, surgical training including the onsite EyeSi simulation program and exam preparation. Trainees are closely supervised in the first year and gain exposure to a range of subspecialties as well as general ophthalmology.

Selection

Those applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who want to be considered for employment in the PoWH Training Network should note:

• the network’s focus on developing and promoting a centre of research excellence, and
• the strong focus on teamwork.

Applicants who want to be considered for employment in the PoWH Training Network must also complete an employment applications through NSW Health.

The PoWH Training Network carefully considers the outcomes of the centralised RANZCO Selection process and applies the following weightings to those outcomes:

Item		RANZCO weighting (65 pts)		PoWH Network weighting (35 pts)
CV review		29 pts
	Indigenous		8 pts
	Regional		7 pts
	Scholar		8 pts
	Ophthalmic experience		6 pts
Referee reports (incl. medical expert and professional attributes)		6 pts
Multiple Mini Interviews		30 pts
Network Interview (The local interview is conducted by a dedicated selection panel (4-6 interviewers), with each candidate’s performance being assessed independently by each interviewer. Interviewer scores are then collated and averaged, aiming to minimise any bias in the process. The local interview consists of a number of semi-structured questions that are consistently asked to all interview candidates. Interview questions are written to assess the core professional standards of the College, specifically: management, health advocacy, scholar, professionalism, communication, medical expertise and collaboration.)		N/A		35 pts

The network will not necessarily contact all applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who have nominated PoWH as a preferred training network. Of those who are contacted, a local interview will be arranged. Further details on what to expect during the interview will be provided prior to the interview. The local interview accounts for 35% of the overall grade.

 

The Queensland Training Network continues to provide a well-rounded training experience for our 18 registrars with solid exposure to all subspecialties.

Of the 18 training posts, 13 are located in Brisbane, 4 on the Gold Coast and 1 on the Sunshine Coast. Our training post in the regional centre of Townsville is currently offline while additional supervising consultants are recruited.

On average, 3 or 4 candidates are selected to start training each year.

Selection

Those applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who wish to be considered for employment in the Queensland Training Network must also complete an employment application through Queensland Health.

The Queensland Training Network carefully considers the outcomes of the centralised RANZCO Selection process, which accounts for 65% of the applicant’s overall score. Queensland has specific workforce requirements of its first year registrars and thus applies an overweight rating for ophthalmic experience. It also carefully considers clinical experience in prevocational positions and the local interview in the registrar appointment process.

Item		RANZCO weighting (65 pts)		QLD Network weighting (35 pts)
CV review		29 pts		15 pts
	Indigenous		8 pts
	Regional		7 pts
	Scholar		8 pts		5 pts
	Ophthalmic experience		6 pts		10 pts
Referee reports (incl. medical expert and professional attributes)		6 pts		10 pts (360-degree feedback from supervisors and colleagues)
Multiple Mini Interviews		30 pts
Network Interview (Points are awarded by a panel representing each of the registrar teaching hospitals in Queensland. Questions are framed around clinical scenarios, ethical and moral dilemmas, and general knowledge topics).		N/A		10 pts

The network will not necessarily contact all applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and have nominated Queensland as a preferred Training Network. A short-list of applicants is formulated for invitation to local interview. Short-listing involves review of candidates’ application, work history, and referee reports, along with background checks through contact with current and former workplaces and colleagues, particularly supervising consultants and nursing staff. Interview questions include clinical and workplace scenarios along with issues of relevance to the profession.

 

Workforce maldistribution

The Queensland Training Network is highly committed to addressing workforce maldistribution issues and rewards rural upbringing and work experience along with Indigenous heritage in the selection process. Indeed, the Queensland Training Network graduated Australia’s first Indigenous Ophthalmologist. Efforts are underway to expand rural training opportunities at both prevocational and vocational levels to encourage rural and remote Specialist practice for the long term.

The Regionally Enhanced Training Network (RETN) is a new Australia-wide training network. Approximately two-thirds of the trainee’s time will be spent in regional Australia and one-third in urban centres. Regional posts have a lot to offer trainees and are currently included in all existing training networks. They provide comprehensive ophthalmology clinical experience with increased opportunities to follow each patient through the course of their presenting problem. This contrasts with the patient journey in big city teaching hospitals where patients are typically funneled into subspecialty clinics following their initial presentation. In addition, regional terms typically offer trainees a wider range of surgical training.

Each complete training pathway will provide a broad exposure to all areas of ophthalmology needed to be a comprehensive ophthalmologist and will give trainees hands-on experience in the wide range of ophthalmic styles of practice in Australia, such as teaching hospitals in both large cities and provincial centres, private practice medicine, Aboriginal Medical Service clinics and remote community outreach clinics. RETN trainees will achieve the same degree of excellence in training that the trainees from the current vocational networks do.

Each pathway rotation is of one year or longer duration, so RETN trainees do not have to change locations frequently. However, RETN trainees, who will soon be based in many locations across Australia as the pathways roll out, if interested, will be given the opportunity and facilitated to set up rotation swaps. In most regional terms subspecialty training opportunities are available, from a mixture of the skills of local ophthalmologists on the ground, subspecialty outreach to the location the trainee is based, and/or in-reach by the trainee to urban locations.

Selection

The RETN will consider the highest ranking candidates who have selected a RETN Training Pathway as one of their preferences from the centralised RANZCO Selection process and applies the following weightings to those outcomes.

Item		RANZCO Weighting (65 pts)		RETN Network Weighting (35 pts)
CV review		29 pts
	Indigenous		8 pts
	Regional		7 pts	20 pts
	Scholar		8 pts
	Ophthalmic experience		6 pts
Referee reports (incl. medical expert and professional attributes)		6 pts
Multiple Mini Interviews		30 pts
Network Interview (Attributes highly valued are: resilience, organisational skills, likelihood to be able to live and work independently away from pre-existing social support networks, and self-motivation)		N/A		15 pts

*Connection to local pathway area, likely suitability for training in that pathway and likely future regional workforce intentions.

The RETN will not necessarily contact all applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who have nominated RETN as a preferred training network. Of those who are contacted, an interview will be arranged. Further details on what to expect during the interview will be provided before the interview.

Trainees for three RETN pathways will be selected during this selection round for a 2026 commencement. Candidates will be able to rank each pathway separately along with each of the other training networks.

The RETN pathways this year are:

RETN Pathways	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5
1. Victorian Pathway	Geelong	Albury-Wodonga	Melbourne	Ballarat/Bendigo or Shepparton	Ballarat/Bendigo or Shepparton
2. Western NSW Pathway	Hobart or Newcastle	Wagga Wagga	Sydney	Orange	Orange
3. Top End Pathway	Darwin	Bunbury	Perth	Broome	Broome

For more background information about the RETN, please click here.

 

Currently awaiting update for 2024

The South Australian Training Network has nine training posts, with eight located in Adelaide and one in Alice Springs, NT.

In 2022, there were 10 trainees in the South Australian network, with three starting in 2023. This makes the network one of the smaller training networks administered by the College.

Noting the workforce distribution challenges that exist in South Australia and the need for more ophthalmologists, the South Australian network is particularly keen to recruit trainees who are from the area, or who are invested in remaining in the area when they finish training and become a Fellow of the College (FRANZCO). Additionally, South Australia has a well-supported research sector and is strengthening research outcomes through trainees and Fellows.

The first year of training

The first year of training can be challenging due to the rigours of learning and the need to be on-call. Pre-vocational work experience in ophthalmology is desirable as trainees are required to provide a wide range of ophthalmology services early in training. There is a strong focus on teamwork and communication.

Selection

Those applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who want to be considered for employment in the South Australian Training Network should note:

• the network’s focus on long-term workforce sustainability,
• the network’s focus on developing and promoting a centre of research excellence, and
• pre-vocational work experience in ophthalmology is desirable.

The South Australian Training Network carefully considers the outcomes of the centralised RANZCO Selection process and applies the following weightings to those outcomes:

Item		RANZCO weighting (65 pts)		SA Network weighting (35 pts)
CV review		29 pts		15 pts
	Indigenous		8 pts
	Regional		7 pts
	Scholar		8 pts		10 pts
	Ophthalmic experience		6 pts		5 pts
Referee reports (incl. Medical expert and professional attributes)		6 pts
Multiple Mini Interviews		30 pts
Network Interview				10 pts
Local candidate				10 pts

The Network will not necessarily contact all applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process who have nominated South Australia as a preferred training network. Of those who are contacted, a local interview will be arranged. Further details on what to expect during the interview will be provided prior to the interview. The local interview comprises 15% of the overall grade.

The SEH Training Network comprises 50 training posts, with 39 located in Sydney, seven in NSW regional locations, one in ACT, two in Darwin, NT and one in Hobart, TAS.

This makes the network one of the largest training networks administered by the College.

Selection

Those applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who want to be considered for employment in the NSW Training Network should note that applicants who want to be considered for employment in the NSW Training Network must also complete an employment application through NSW Health.

The NSW Training Network follows the recommendations of NSW Health in terms of Indigenous employment targets and support of ophthalmologists who aim for careers in rural and regional areas. The network selection committee carefully considers the outcomes of the centralised RANZCO selection process and applies the following weightings:

Item		RANZCO Weighting (65 pts)		SEH Network Weighting (35 pts)
CV review		29 pts
	Indigenous		8 pts
	Regional		7 pts
	Scholar		8 pts
	Ophthalmic experience		6 pts
Referee reports (incl. Medical expert and professional attributes)		6 pts		10 pts
Multiple Mini Interviews		30 pts
Local Interview The interview is designed to assess a wide range of skills including workplace scenarios, ethical reasoning and professionalism, clinical scenarios, judgement, and problem solving, collaboration and interpersonal skills, and understanding of ophthalmology within the broader context of healthcare and society.		N/A		25 pts

The network will not necessarily contact all applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who have nominated NSW as a preferred Training Network. Of those who are contacted, a local interview will be arranged. Further details on what to expect during the interview will be provided prior to the interview.

 

Candidates who are short-listed for local interview are the highest ranked by RANZCO and/or those who have some form of association with NSW. This may include having worked either clinically or with research based in NSW.

The Victorian training network comprises of training posts based in metropolitan Melbourne, Launceston, Canberra and regional centres in Victoria. The metropolitan hospitals are The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (East Melbourne), The Royal Melbourne Hospital (Parkville), The Alfred (Prahran), Monash Medical Centre (Clayton, Dandenong, Cranbourne), The Austin (Heidelberg), Western Health (Footscray, Sunshine), The Royal Children’s Hospital (Parkville), and Northern Health (Broadmeadows).

The regional centres are Albury-Wodonga, Ballarat, and Geelong. Trainees are also rotated to Launceston (Tasmania) and Canberra (ACT).

Most external rotations are 6-month rotations. When on external rotations trainees are under contractual employment of the hospital to which they are rotated to and are paid according to the respective state enterprise agreement.

Trainees should expect to be rotated outside of the Eye and Ear Hospital after first year. They should expect at least one or more regional terms, and placements to metropolitan hospitals in basic and advanced training, including immediately prior to the RACE fellowship examination.

In 2024, there were 42 trainees in the Victorian network, with 6 starting in 2025. This makes the network one of the largest training networks administered by the College.

Victoria has a well-supported research sector and is invested in strengthening research outcomes through trainees and Fellows. Trainees are closely supervised in the first year, with all training done at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

Selection

Those applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who want to be considered for employment in the Victorian Training Network should note that the network has a strong focus on developing and promoting a centre of research excellence. There is also a very strong teaching program incorporating fluorescein angiogram meetings, audit meetings, grand rounds, on and off-site virtual tutorial sessions and a comprehensive eye simulator program. Trainees also rotate through various sub-specialty terms along with gaining experience in the emergency department.

The Victorian Training Network carefully considers the outcomes of the centralised RANZCO Selection process and applies the following same weightings:

Item		RANZCO Weighting (65 pts)		VIC Network Weighting (35 pts)
CV review		29 pts		19 pts
	Indigenous		8 pts		1 pts
	Regional		7 pts		1 pts
	Scholar		8 pts		10 pts
	Ophthalmic experience		6 pts		7 pts
Referee reports (incl. Medical expert and professional attributes)		6 pts		6 pts
Multiple Mini Interviews		30 pts
Network Interview		N/A		10 pts

The Network will contact applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process who have nominated Victoria as a preferred Training Network and have been shortlisted for a local interview based on their central selection process rankings. Further details on what to expect during the interview will be provided prior to the interview. The selection process is predominantly based on the final rankings from the centralised selection process. The local interview is to establish the suitability of a future trainee for selection into the Victorian vocational training program.

 

The Western Australian Training Network comprises 12 training posts, with 10 located in metro locations—one in Broome, WA and one in Hobart, TAS. This makes the network one of the smaller training networks administered by the College.

Noting the workforce distribution challenges that exist in Western Australia and the need for more ophthalmologists, the Western Australian network is particularly keen to recruit trainees who are from the area, or who are invested in remaining in the area when they finish training and become a Fellow of the College (FRANZCO).

Selection

Those applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who want to be considered for employment in the Western Australian Training Network should note:

• the network’s focus on long term workforce sustainability, and
• pre-vocational work experience in ophthalmology is essential

The Western Australian Training Network carefully considers the outcomes of the centralised RANZCO Selection process and applies the following weightings to those outcomes:

Item		RANZCO Weighting (65 pts)		WA Network Weighting (35 pts)
CV review		29 pts		20 pts (5 pts for ophthalmic expertise 5 pts for communication skills 5 pts for problem solving and critical thinking 5 pts for teamwork and interpersonal skills)
	Indigenous		8 pts
	Regional		7 pts
	Scholar		8 pts
	Ophthalmic experience		6 pts
Referee reports (incl. Medical expert and professional attributes)		6 pts
Multiple Mini Interviews		30 pts
Network Interview		N/A
360 Feedback from local medical and allied health				15 pts

The Network will not necessarily contact all applicants who make it through the centralised RANZCO selection process and who have nominated Western Australia as a preferred training network. Of those who are contacted, a local interview will be arranged. Further details on what to expect during the interview will be provided prior to the interview. The local interview accounts for 35% of the overall grade.