1. Master in Ophthalmology Programme

 The Master in Ophthalmology Programmes are offered by the following 4 universities:

Universiti Malaya (UM)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM)

The conjoint programme started in 2008 and since then, the intake and examination of candidates have been done jointly by the 4 universities.

Candidates keen to undertake this programme may register either as a private candidate or as a sponsored candidate by the JPA (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam). The application form is available from the Ministry of Higher Education (for sponsored candidates) and also from the relevant universities (for private candidates) through their respective websites. The form is usually available in the month of April/ May and application is closed by August/September. The conjoint interview is usually held in December. However, this timeline may change and candidates are advised to enquire from the relevant website.

All interested candidates are advised to sit for the Medical Specialist Pre-Entrance Examination (MedEx). You may visit https://coamm.org.my for more information. Guidelines on the Master programme will also be available in this website soon. JPA sponsored candidates must be confirmed in service and are advised to complete their district postings.

Programme structure

The course extends over a minimum period of 4 years and maximum period of 7 years.

2. Ministry of Health (MOH) Ophthalmology Parallel Pathway Program

The MOH Ophthalmology Parallel Pathway was established in 2018 and recognises the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (UK) examination as the alternative pathway for doctors who aspire to specialist training in ophthalmology. Designed in accordance with the National Postgraduate Medical Curriculum (NPMC) for Ophthalmology, the program ensures training standards, learning outcomes, and assessments are aligned with national postgraduate medical education requirements in Malaysia.

Trainees undergo supervised clinical training in accredited hospitals gaining progressive exposure to medical and surgical ophthalmology, emergency eye care, and subspecialty services. Training integrates hands-on patient care, structured teaching, workplace-based assessments, and logbook documentation, all mapped to NPMC competencies and milestones.

Summary and comparison of both pathways (adapted from the NPMC guide for applicants)

Candidates interested in pursuing any of the postgraduate training programmes may apply as sponsored candidate by the JPA (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam) via the eHLP website at ehlp.moh.gov.my. 

The application portal is typically open between October and November each year. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited for interviews during January or February, with application outcomes expected to be released through eHLP system in April. Applicants are advised to refer to the relevant official websites for the most current information, as timelines may be subject to change.

In addition, all prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to sit for the Medical Specialist Pre-Entrance Examination (MedEx) examination. Further information is available on College of Ophthalmologists, Academy of Medicine Malaysia (COAMM) website (www.coamm.org.my) under the Trainee section or the National Post-Graduate Medical Curriculum (NPMC) applicants’ guide.

Important Notes:

Specialty-Specific Requirements (SSR)

The Specialty-Specific Requirement (SSR) for Ophthalmology, published by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) on 23 September 2025, outline the minimum standards and requirements for specialist training in Ophthalmology. These include requirements related to the training curriculum, trainers, educational resources, and programme leadership. (Refer Appendix)

The SSR should be read in conjunction with the MMC Standards for Medical Specialist Training (2019), as both documents collectively define the framework and standards governing specialist training in Malaysia.

Gazettement and National Specialist Registry

Recent changes have been introduced to the gazettement process and registration with the Specialist Registry (SR), including the implementation of Supervised Working Experience (SWE). Prospective trainees and stakeholders are encouraged to follow official announcements for the latest updates and guidance regarding these developments.