Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
This month saw the launch of the National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology for Wales. Our Llywydd (lead for the College in Wales) Rhianon Reynolds was instrumental in the strategy’s development. In this exclusive blog she discusses the lessons she learnt from the process and outlines why she thinks the strategy can be valuable for all eye care professionals, not just those working in Wales.
Launched on 14 October, the National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology presents a clinically-led case for a new model of eye care across Wales. College Llywydd Rhianon Reynolds, who is also National Clinical lead for Ophthalmology in Wales and a consultant ophthalmologist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, led on the development of the strategy. Here she highlights 10 facts about the strategy that all College members should be aware of.
Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer Greg Ellwood-Hughes analyses the implications for ophthalmology services.
Read our latest coverage from June-July 2024, which included mentions in the Guardian and Health Service Journal (HSJ). Our active engagement with the media reflects our commitment to raising awareness about critical issues, advocating for reform, and increasing the profile of ophthalmology.
Read our response to the UK general election results on 5 July. Our president, Ben Burton, comments on Labour's victory and the unrivalled opportunity to deliver change and ensure patients receive the timely care they need.
Policy manager Jordan Marshall shares highlights of two topical discussions at last month's EyeConUK
The latest edition of the policy roundup, a series of advocacy updates in which we share our most recent policy and public affairs activities and successes.
As we enter an election year, it is imperative we build on the momentum from 2023 to strengthen ophthalmology services, training and research in the UK.
The Government’s Elective Recovery Taskforce has announced several actions aimed at increasing capacity in England in its implementation plan, especially through expanded independent sector involvement in the delivery of NHS services. While the measures, analysed in this article, represent an important acknowledgement of the need to urgently expand capacity and aspects of the plan can help ophthalmology if implemented effectively, to make a real difference policymakers must prioritise properly investing in NHS services and its workforce and infrastructure.
We are launching a one-year pilot of physician associates (PAs) within ophthalmology, starting in November 2023. Physician associates are growing in number in the NHS, and the RCOphth and NHS England are keen to explore how the PA role may fit into the ophthalmological workforce.
