Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
News release issued by LOCSU, the Local Optical Committee Support Unit: A new standard clinical specification for community minor and urgent eye care, which aims to assure, support and enhance access to minor and urgent eye care locally across England, has been published today.
We are now inviting applications for this postgraduate research award, a collaboration between the College and Glaucoma UK, which provides up to £100,000 to facilitate research into glaucoma.
Last month, for the first time since it went digital, the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) had a response rate of over 50%, and 31 positive case reports for the deterioration of sight following delay and sympathetic ophthalmia studies. We encourage all ophthalmologists in the UK to take part in BOSU. It’s easy to do and you’ll be contributing to this unique resource that advances knowledge and improvement of the prevention, treatment and service planning of these disorders.
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.
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.
Recent months have seen some additions and changes to the College’s staff team.
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.
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.
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.
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.
