New guideline on abusive head trauma
An updated clinical guideline, Abusive Head Trauma and the Eye in Infancy, is now available. It’s an important evidence-based document that updates the previous guideline published in 2013.
News & Views
Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
College staff appointments
Recent months have seen some additions and changes to the College’s staff team.
New strategy will boost excellence, development and voice of ophthalmology
Our new organisational strategy launched on 1 January. Covering the period from 2024 to 2026, it sets out our commitment to championing the eye health specialty and improving patient care.
Postcode lottery for cataract training in independent sector
Despite important progress over the last two years, cataract surgery training opportunities in independent sector providers remain limited and in some areas – including the South West of England and London – there is no training at all in the independent sector, insights from our Ophthalmologists in Training Group (OTG) indicate.
The College in the news
Our media coverage in November included mentions in the Financial Times and Medscape online news. Our active engagement with the media reflects our commitment to raising awareness about critical issues, advocating for reform, and increasing the profile of ophthalmology.
Our highlights of 2023
January saw the launch of the Differential Attainment report, with us addressing systemic disparities in professional outcomes. This was the start of our pledge to foster diversity and inclusion across the College. In February, the first NOD age-related macular degeneration (AMD) audit highlighted the importance of prompt AMD treatment, encouraging participation for quality assurance.
Westminster Eye Health Day
As part of our commitment to advocate for the ophthalmology workforce and foster effective primary and secondary eyecare integration, we co-hosted the annual Parliamentary event, Westminster Eye Health Day, on 11 December. The event, held in collaboration with The Eyes Have It and hosted by Marsha de Cordova MP, aimed to highlight the challenges in eye care services to policymakers and elevate eye care on the political agenda.
Honorary Fellowship for Mel
Congratulations to Melanie Hingorani former trustee and honorary secretary, who has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the College of Optometrists, one of only two presented this year.
Westminster Eye Health Day 2023
Imagine that the entire population of Gloucestershire was waiting for an ophthalmology appointment. And then imagine the outcome if those appointments never happened. Not just for the Gloucestershire people themselves, who might lose their sight or have to live in extreme discomfort or distress. But for the NHS and other healthcare providers facing even greater and more crucial demand, and the local public service providers, who would have to support them and their additional needs, and for the myriad other people, services and organisations involved. It would be catastrophic.
2023 Winner of the Dr Sadhu Ram Gupta MBE Award for International (non-UK) Examination Candidates
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ Examinations department is delighted to announce the 2023 winner of the Dr Sadhu Ram Gupta MBE Award for International (non-UK) Examination Candidates.