The race for ophthalmology training posts has never been tougher. Each year, more aspiring ophthalmologists apply for a finite number of Specialty Training Year 1 (ST1) places, and the competition ratios tell the story. If you’re preparing for 2025–26 applications, understanding these ratios is the first step towards shaping a smart, resilient application strategy.
The Latest Numbers
For 2025 recruitment, the national competition ratio for Ophthalmology ST1 is 21.54:1 — with 2,197 applicants competing for just 102 posts (Source: Link)
That’s a sharp increase from 14.41:1 in 2024, when 1,383 applicants vied for 96 posts (source: Specialty Applications). In other words, competition has jumped by more than 50% in a single cycle.
Trend Analysis & Forecasts
- Accelerating competition. The leap from ~14:1 to 21.5:1 in just one year signals that demand is outpacing supply faster than before.
- Future outlook. If training posts don’t expand, ratios could reach 25+:1 within the next couple of years — meaning 25 or more applicants for every single spot.
- Deanery variation. Some regions may increase posts slightly, creating “soft spots” where ratios are lower, but this won’t change the national picture.
- Portfolio self-assessment in 2026. A major change is on the horizon: from 2026, applicants will self-score their portfolios against published criteria. This could shift behaviours, with strong candidates targeting deaneries where their evidence aligns best.
How to Play the Ratios
When ratios are this steep, the difference between securing a place and missing out often comes down to small details. Here are five ways to sharpen your strategy:
- Stay updated. Posts can expand or criteria can change at short notice. Following official recruitment sites and deanery announcements gives you an edge.
- Build a standout portfolio. With so many candidates clustered at “excellent,” you need differentiators: ophthalmology-focused research, leadership roles, audits, and publications make you more resilient to shifts in scoring.
- Prioritise the MSRA and interview. These remain the major filters. Even a small dip can shift your rank by dozens of places in a high-ratio field.
- Plan fallback strategies. If you don’t succeed first time, use the gap year wisely : ophthalmology experience, additional projects, or qualifications can all raise your profile. Loads of our colleagues didn’t get in on the first try but persisted!
Key Takeaway
The ophthalmology ST1 competition ratio for 2025 stands at 21.54:1, the steepest in recent memory. With ratios likely to climb further in the 2026 cycle, success won’t come from “just being good enough.” It will require a portfolio that shines, exam scores that stand out, and a strategy that accounts for the realities of today’s ultra-competitive landscape. This includes really taking the time to internalise how to do well in the interviews.
At stinterview, our peer-practice courses and resources are designed to help you sharpen your interview performance and maximise your chances in one of the UK’s toughest specialties.