Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
While health was not the central focus amid a range of important announcements on tax and spending, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement contained a positive commitment on workforce planning. RCOphth Policy Manager Jordan Marshall analyses the implications for ophthalmology.
Roger Buckley was a truly eminent and highly respected ophthalmologist, and I am most grateful to Lesley and the family for asking me to take part in the celebration of a life well-lived - and more specifically to pay tribute to the many contributions he made in his professional life.
In a recent letter to Jonathan Devereux, NHS England’s Senior Programme Lead for optical commissioning, our President Professor Bernie Chang and chair of our Paediatric Sub-Committee Susmito Biswas outlined the College’s concerns over proposed changes to the SSECS. We have also raised our concerns with MPs in Parliament.
Vote for your next RCOphth President. The role of President is to lead the work of the College, to speak up for both the profession and the patient to maintain standards and ensure that the challenges facing ophthalmology are highlighted with key policy decision makers and to provide solutions to meet those challenges.
Recent evaluation of the data from the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) has shown a significant number of reports to the system related to the use of the Mydriasert ophthalmic pellet for pupil dilation.
Working with training programme directors, NHS England, ophthalmologists in training and independent sector providers, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) has published a blueprint to help providers and trainers enable appropriate and safe cataract training within the independent sector (IS), where these training opportunities are needed.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists President, Professor Bernie Chang, joined a panel of senior leaders from across the eye care sector at the launch of the Specsavers State of the UK’s Eye Health 2022 report. Professor Chang was joined by Dr Peter Hampson, Clinical Director, Association of Optometrists, Ross Campbell, Ophthalmic Director of RCO Ltd, Fiona Sandford, Chief Executive of Visionary and was chaired by Dr Michael Mosley, to discuss how to draw on industry expertise to improve patient outcomes.
The General Medical Council has (GMC) published ‘The state of medical education and practice in the UK: the workforce report 2022.’ This highlights statistical trends and challenges facing the medical workforce, including specific data on the ophthalmology workforce. RCOphth Policy Manager Jordan Marshall and Policy Advisor David Murray summarise the key findings and what they mean for ophthalmology.
The College is delighted to announce that INSPIRE, its new lifelong learning platform, is now live. This an exciting project for the College, which provides a new vision for lifelong learning and development for all eye care professionals in a dynamic educational environment. With 26 Programmes across the areas of Clinical Knowledge, Professional Development and Personal Development, INSPIRE truly has something for everyone.
Over the last two weeks, both the Conservatives and Labour held their party conferences, at which they debated, discussed, and announced a range of policy measures that will affect ophthalmology services. RCOphth Policy Advisor David Murray rounds up the key announcements and what they mean for ophthalmology.
