Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
The RCOphth has published the first annual report for the NOD Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) audit. The report is a significant milestone in benchmarking the delivery of AMD treatment in the UK, using data recorded as part of routine clinical care.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is pleased to announce that their prestigious Part 2 FRCOphth Oral examination will be held in Athens, Greece for the first time in October 2023. This marks the first time that the Part 2 FRCOphth Oral exam will be available to sit on the European mainland, enabling candidates in European and neighbouring countries to sit the exam closer to home.
ACCIA expects the 2023 Clinical Impact Awards round to open for applications in March 2023. The window is set to be open for 8 weeks. The timetable will be published online as soon as it has been finalised, along with updated guidance and details of any process changes.
NHS England is consulting on proposals for the NHS Payment Scheme that will apply between 2023 and 2025, including plans to amend cataract payments. RCOphth’s response will support this change as a way to tackle the risk of “upcoding”, with the caveat that NHS England reviews the effectiveness of how the current system reflects the costs of cataract surgery and other ophthalmology services.
NHS Scotland is developing plans to support eye units to increase the number of cataracts performed per four-hour session. RCOphth is inputting into this work to ensure the most appropriate pathways are developed and clinicians and eye units receive the support they need. RCOphth Policy Manager Jordan Marshall explains the scope of the work and future timelines.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is working together with Guide Dogs to provide blind and partially sighted people, and their families, with easy-to-access high-quality information about eye health and eye conditions.
Following fears the Special School Eye Care Service would end in March 2023, it is welcome that following pressure the evaluation of the scheme has been extended to August 2023.
Following joint task and finish groups convened by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and NHS England, guidance has been published on cataract commissioning, the referral and post-operative pathways, and training in independent sector providers.
The GMC has announced that it will make initial contact with doctors by phone if they need to investigate concerns. The change is part of a series of improvements by the GMC to take a more compassionate approach to reduce the impact of investigations and the anxiety for doctors.
The RNIB has written to The Royal College of Ophthalmologists to ask for its support in helping patients to understand how the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) and sight impairment registration can help during the cost-of-living crisis.
