Examiners

The best thing about being an examiner 

The best thing about being an examiner is being able to guide the next generation of ophthalmologists. As an examiner, you are responsible for assessing and evaluating a candidate’s knowledge, clinical skills, and ability to apply their learning in clinical situations. I find this very rewarding, especially when you see them grow and succeed.  I also enjoy being part of a like-minded team and networking with colleagues from all regions in different specialities. It helps you keep up-to-date within all specialities as well. 

Why I became an examiner 

There are a few reasons: I feel a sense of fulfilment and gratitude by playing an active role in the ophthalmic community and shaping the quality of care that patients will receive in the future. I feel I am able to give back to the medical community. Being an examiner allows me to share my clinical and non-clinical ophthalmology experience and helps to maintain the standards of the profession ensuring that those who enter having the necessary skills, attitude and high standards of professionalism. 

Why I think you should become an examiner 

 By examining, you play a direct role in shaping the future of your profession, ensuring that those entering ophthalmology at a senior level have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide excellent patient care. It allows you to give back to the medical community, whilst allowing you to stay up-to-date and at the forefront of new treatments and technologies available.  

There is opportunity for personal growth as you assess others and think more critically. You deepen your own knowledge and improve your teaching and mentoring techniques. There is plenty of opportunity to engage and network with colleagues. This is an excellent way of connecting with peers, exchanging knowledge, and contributing to the collective knowledge of the profession. It is a very satisfying role and has a lot of responsibility, in that you are ensuring the high standards in ophthalmology are maintained for the benefit of patients. 

The best thing about being an examiner
The best part of being an examiner is knowing you are shaping the future of the profession. The College’s exams collectively set the benchmark for quality and safety of patient care, not only in the UK but also internationally. With increasing numbers of candidates from across the world participating, the role of examiner has global impact.
Why I became an examiner
I wanted to develop expertise in evaluating candidates, and to be entrusted with upholding the integrity and quality of a major professional examination. Examiners gain privileged insights through preparing written papers, conducting face-to-face exams, setting standards and improving test validity. The role helps me stay current with ophthalmic knowledge and apply my experience and skills in a new context.
Why I think you should become an examiner
This is an intellectually stimulating role which upholds high standards in Ophthalmology. It offers opportunities for networking, camaraderie, and fully funded travel within the UK and abroad. Becoming an examiner also provides valuable CPD experience, where you will receive training and support, and you can share your knowhow and perspectives. The College welcomes examiners of all levels of experience, from diverse backgrounds and across different geographic regions.

The Best Thing About Being an Examiner 
Being an examiner is one of the most rewarding activities that you can engage in to support our colleagues and our College. I get the opportunity to meet ophthalmologists both in the UK and overseas and it is a great way of keeping my knowledge up to date. The examinations team, made up of examiners and College staff, makes the whole experience delightful.

Why I Became an Examiner 
I became an examiner because I believe in the importance of maintaining the highest standards in ophthalmic UK qualifications. My own journey in ophthalmology was shaped by the guidance and mentorship I received throughout my training, and I wanted to give back to the ophthalmic community. Being an examiner allows me to play a role in shaping the future of ophthalmology, by ensuring that new consultants are not only knowledgeable but also possess the necessary skills to provide excellent patient care. It is a responsibility I take seriously, aligning with my commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. 

Why I Think You Should Become an Examiner 
I encourage you to consider becoming an examiner because it is an enriching experience that enhances your own professional growth while positively impacting the future of ophthalmology. Serving as an examiner provides you with a unique perspective on the assessment required in the educational process and the challenges that candidates face, whilst providing networking opportunities and collaboration with colleagues from around the world. Being an examiner is not just about evaluating others; it is about contributing to the evolution of the ophthalmic field and ensuring the highest quality of care for patients both in Uk and overseas.

The best thing about being an examiner
Apart from working with Dylan, Sophie and the examinations team, who are the best exam team on the planet, it allows you the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues you may have trained with in the past and meet new like-minded colleagues. It is excellent in keeping your general ophthalmology knowledge up to date, since the majority of ophthalmologists have a special interest. I often now see trainees who I have examined, have now become examiners!
Why I became an examiner
I have always had a keen interest in medical education and training, I am currently the Ophthalmology lead and Senior Lecturer for my medical school. I have an interest in assessments and am passionate in maintaining the high standards set by the Royal College exams. I also enjoy travelling both nationally and internationally experiencing the wide range skills sets of ophthalmologists abroad, who may eventually choose to practice in the UK.
Why I think you should become an examiner
Apart from the points I mentioned above I feel it is every doctor’s duty to give back something to their trainees and help them to develop into safe competent Ophthalmologists. We have an excellent team organising these exams and I have met new colleagues, who share the same enthusiasm and passion to help develop the new generation of Ophthalmologists for the future. We are always keen to appoint new examiners so don’t delay and come and join our team!

The best thing about being an examiner
It is endlessly varying, with an opportunity to meet examiners from all around the country (or even the world) to share knowledge and gain perspectives that would not be otherwise easy within our current professional circles
Why I became an examiner
I have always been fascinated with exams and having been on the receiving end, I couldn’t wait to get on the side that dishes it out. On a more serious note, I wanted to better understand the exam process so I could guide my trainees more effectively. Having now examined for over a decade, I have gained so much more than that.
Why I think you should become an examiner
It will give you a chance to step out of your comfort zone, revisit forgotten corners of Ophthalmology that you have not thought about or or maybe never really delved into. and meet amazing people from all over the place, including the superlative exams team of course!

Tina Parmar

The best thing about being an examiner. 

The best thing about being an examiner is helping to maintain professional standards for the college whilst keeping up-to-date with general ophthalmology. It is an interesting and rewarding way to support your own professional development. 

Why I became an examiner 

I enjoy my job as an ophthalmologist but wanted to develop my role as a trainer outside of my usual place of work.  It is also a great opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues from across the UK who also want to give back to the college and their trainees. 

Why I think you should become an examiner 

You become part of a supportive close-knit community who want to give back to the college as well as maintain empathy for their trainees sitting examinations. It also allows you to focus your own teaching sessions to help trainees gain the necessary skills to be successful in their examinations.