News & Views

We are today publishing a new position statement calling for a phased increase of 382 training places by 2031 to address the rising demand for eyecare services across the UK.

We’ve planned a programme of information sessions on the College stand during the breaks between sessions. Come along to meet some of our project teams and learn about some of the initiatives you could take part in. You’ll find us at Stand 26.

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.

We are sad to report that Michael Roper-Hall, Honorary Fellow of the College, died on 3 May at the age of 100. 

The safety of cataract surgery in the UK is continuing to improve, results from the latest National Ophthalmology Database (NOD) audit – published today – show. Data gathered from 177 centres over a 12-month period to 31 March 2023 indicate that fewer than 1 in 200 patients experience substantial reduction in vision following cataract surgery. The major complication of surgery (posterior capsule rupture or PCR) is occurring in less than 1% of operations.

We are encouraging members to take part in the NHSE outcomes and registries programme, a single registry of implantable devices. We have been working closely with NHSE to provide clinical leadership as the programme develops. 

The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme is recruiting for a National Clinical Lead to focus on the improvement of ophthalmology services across England. 

The 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists takes place on Tuesday 21 May at 10.45am at the ICC in Belfast. The AGM will be held as part of our 2024 Annual Congress. All members are invited to attend.

This year’s Congress programme includes three lectures featuring renowned expert speakers.

In response to comments by Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP in The Sun and on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme regarding Labour’s plans to make further use of independent sector providers in England to bring down NHS waiting lists, College President Professor Ben Burton commented.