Internship (primary specialization) is a compulsory form of postgraduate training of graduates of all faculties of higher medical education institutions of the III-IY level of accreditation regardless of subordination and form of ownership, after which they are awarded the qualification of a doctor - specialist in a particular specialty.

Internship is conducted in the form of part-time study at the departments of higher medical education institutions of the III-IY level of accreditation and postgraduate education institutions and internships in basic health care institutions. The preparation of ophthalmologists in an internship is based on individual curriculum, developed on the basis of a typical curriculum and internship program.

The main objective of internship in ophthalmology is to master theoretical information and receive practical training on issues of etiology, pathogenesis, clinics, diagnostics (including differential), treatment and prevention of the most commonly occurring eye diseases and related pathologies, the creation of clinical thinking, ethical attitude towards the patient.

 2-year internship combines training at the department and work on the basis of internship in accordance with the schedule of the educational process of the department.

During internship doctors-interns work in ophthalmological departments (in hospitals for in-patient and clinics), regional hospital, city and CRP (with a bed fund of an ophthalmologic department of not less than 40 beds) equipped with the necessary medical and diagnostic equipment. Acquiring practical skills for performing basic manipulations is one of the main tasks of studying in an internship.

In the process of training, doctors-interns learn the principles and methods of conservative and operative treatment of ophthalmic patients.

The training system includes a lecture course, practical and seminar sessions, and computer control of mastering the program. In addition, the program provides basic, milestone and final types of control. The exam consists of three sections: hands-on practical skills, final computer-controlled program “doctor specialist” and interviews.