Ophthalmology Online Courses
- Atanas Bogoev M.D. and Maria Bogoeva
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Ophthalmology online courses are at the core of an ophthalmologist's education. Since some residents and young specialists can't afford or don't have the availability to attend in-person courses all the time, online courses make education more accessible. In this guide, you'll find more about online programs to refine surgical techniques or sharpen clinical skills.
List of Online Courses for Ophthalmologists
Lancaster Course in Ophthalmology (All-Round Course)
The Lancaster Course in Ophthalmology is a long-standing, intensive review program designed to provide a comprehensive overview of basic and clinical ophthalmology. Delivered in a virtual format, the course features live and recorded lectures, interactive sessions, and curated educational materials led by experienced faculty.
The online course covers the full spectrum of core ophthalmic topics and is aimed at residents, fellows, and practicing eye care professionals seeking a structured, high-level review and clinical update. The topics are pathology, anatomy, optics, pediatrics, cornea, cataract, plastics, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, and retina.
In 2026, the course will run from 6 July 2026 through 31 July 2026.
Clinical Skills in Glaucoma by Learn About Eyes (Glaucoma)
Clinical Skills in Glaucoma is an online, on-demand clinical course by Dr. Lorenz Kuske focused on practical glaucoma care, from diagnosis through treatment. The goal is not just to increase knowledge, but to improve structured clinical thinking and decision-making for real-world glaucoma management.
The online ophthalmology course includes 37 video lessons broken into digestible segments. It helps organize clinical thinking rather than just memorizing facts. And reduces common mistakes and hesitations in glaucoma clinics.
Moorfields Education (All-Round Courses)
Moorfields Education is the professional education division of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, offering lifelong learning and specialised training drawing on the hospital’s clinical expertise and connection with UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.
The education portal lists a wide range of online and in-person courses for eye care professionals. Many courses offer certificates suitable for continuing professional development (CPD) for clinicians.
Canabrava Cataract Program (Cataract)
Led by Dr. Sérgio Canabrava, the Advanced Cataract Course at the Canabrava Cataract Program is an online program for ophthalmologists looking to master advanced and complex cataract surgery.
5-weeks
70+ short video lectures
70+ concise e-books
Weekly live interactive sessions with Dr. Canabrava
Target audience is cataract surgeons who already operate and want to handle challenging cases with more confidence and precision. The price of the course is $480BR.
The online course modules cover advanced phaco techniques, premium IOLs, IOL calculations (including post-refractive eyes), complication management (PCR, vitreous loss), small pupils, subluxated lenses, scleral fixation and difficult cases.
The Canabrava Cataract Program also offers a 40-week Virtual Fellowship Program for international ophthalmologists seeking in-depth training.
ESCRS Interactive Courses (All-Round Courses)
ESCRS Interactive Courses are online educational modules focused on practical, clinical, and surgical topics in ophthalmology. They are part of the society’s broader education offerings alongside iLearn accredited courses and other resources.
The interactive course catalog includes a wide range of topics, primarily aimed at clinicians interested in anterior segment surgery, refractive surgery, and complex clinical scenarios.
Oftalmo University (Cataract, Retina, Glaucoma)
Oftalmo University offers non-surgical courses, as well as online courses in glaucoma and cataract surgery. The training programs are designed for ophthalmology residents and practicing surgeons who want a structured, theory-driven approach to training.
Premium Intraocular Lenses Course - $1,370
Cataract Academy Program - $1,499
Phakic IOL Surgery - $1,360
Glaucoma Surgery: MIGS & Filtrating Techniques - $1,240
Advanced Dry Eye Course - $1,124 (non-surgical)
The courses are fully online and self-paced, covering surgical principles, surgical workflow, and clinical decision-making, making them a great foundation for hands-on or wet-lab training. The platform is well-suited for surgeons looking to strengthen their theoretical knowledge and confidence in cataract and glaucoma surgery through flexible, high-quality digital education.
For those who prefer in-person training, Oftalmo University also has advanced training programs with EyeSi Simulators in Mexico and Spain. Learn more and sign up for in-person training here.
Cybersight by Orbis (All-Round Courses)
Cybersight is an online education platform for eye health professionals, where you'll find free courses with CME/CPD credits. The programs are self-paced, and learning resources are developed and delivered by international ophthalmology experts.
Courses cover major clinical and surgical ophthalmology topics such as cataract surgery, glaucoma, cornea disease, pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus, and ophthalmic nursing.
ESASO Online Courses (All-Round Courses)
ESASO is a non-profit ophthalmology educational foundation dedicated to post-graduate training, research, and networking for eye care professionals worldwide. Every year, ESASO releases free online courses with a diverse subspecialty focus. You can learn more about the courses from their official page.
WGA Courses (Glaucoma)
World Glaucoma Association members receive free access to a range of online glaucoma courses.
Each module is developed by internationally recognized glaucoma specialists and peer-reviewed by the WGA Education Committee. The courses are offered in multiple languages.
Every module concludes with an automatically graded multiple-choice assessment, and participants can download a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion.
AAO Education Portal (All-Round Courses)
Explore the courses and weekly case challenges by the American Academy of Ophthalmology at the AAO Education Portal. The portal is designed to help ophthalmologists stay current with clinical knowledge, prepare for exams, earn continuing medical education (CME) credits, and enhance practical skills.
Bascom Palmer Learn (All-Round Courses)
Bascom Palmer Learn is a free online ophthalmology education platform hosted by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. In the platform, you gain access to online ground rounds and a searchable catalogue of educational content covering the full breadth of ophthalmic specialties.
Vitreoretinal Surgery Online (Retina)
This is not a conventional course, but rather an online textbook with 36 chapters that brings together first-hand experience in vitreoretinal surgery. It is written in clear, practical language, offering step-by-step guidance for ophthalmology fellows as they learn and master this surgical discipline.
Barraquer Instituto (Cataract & Pediatric Ophthalmology)
The Biometry and Intraocular Lens (IOL) Calculation course by Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer is a fully online, ~4-hour program focused on accurate eye measurements and IOL power calculation.
Language: Spanish
Duration: 4 hours
Lessons: 22
It covers keratometry, biometry, IOL formulas, toric IOL planning, post-refractive eyes, and special cases (e.g. keratoconus, short/long eyes). The online course is perfect for ophthalmologists, residents, and optometrists who want to improve refractive outcomes through better IOL planning.
Another Barraquer online course in 2026 is the Pediatric Ophthalmology course that includes all-round ophthalmology training.
Language: Spanish
Duration: 5 hours
Lessons: 15
It covers eye pathology in pediatric ages.
Online Education Portals
Except for clinical and surgical online courses in ophthalmology, you can also explore other options to expand your skills and knowledge.
Free-to-access online learning resources:
These platforms give you access to high-quality learning material in different subspecialties. Feel free to explore and find the best options for your skill and knowledge advancement.
We are constantly looking to expand this list. If an important online resource is missing, let us know so we can add it.
