Ophthalmologists’ voice included in parliamentary discussions
President Ben Burton represented College members at an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Eye Health and Visual Impairment at Westminster on 15 November.
News & Views
Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
RCOphth in the news
Take a look at some of our recent media coverage, which includes quotes and mentions in some UK national newspapers. Our members have provided quotes and comments to UK news outlets, helping us to raise the profile of ophthalmology, answer eyecare related queries and advocate for critical issues related to eye health. Our active engagement with the media reflects our commitment to raising awareness about the critical issues as we continue to advocate for urgent reforms.
Scale of ophthalmology follow-up backlogs and need for better data collection highlighted by thinktank
The influential thinktank Reform has published a report highlighting the scale of follow-up backlogs in England, with ophthalmology the specialty with the most patients waiting for follow-up appointments. RCOphth Policy Manager Jordan Marshall summarises the key points from the report and what needs to happen next.
Alcon enhances skill courses with innovative phaco machines
Global leader in eye care, Alcon is collaborating with the college to provide educational opportunities for trainees on five innovative phaco machines, ensuring trainees at our surgical skills centre have access to the latest technology.
NHS diabetic eye screening intervals have changed for people at lower risk
The NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) is now screening people with diabetes at lower risk of diabetic retinopathy every two years instead of every year.
New study on deterioration of sight caused by delay in review or treatment
From November, this study will be added to BOSU Surveillance. We encourage all UK ophthalmologists to report cases through the BOSU email reporting system to make the data set as complete as possible, making the study more impactful.
Shortage of verteporfin (Visudyne) 15mg powder for solution for injection: update
Verteporfin has been in short supply globally since late 2020 due to capacity constraints at the manufacturing site and has been restricted for use solely in ocular cancer centres in the UK.
SAS ophthalmologist job plans need to encourage research
The Academic, Research and Innovation Subcommittee of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists would like to draw your attention to two documents issued recently, regarding guidance on Specialty and Specialist Doctor Ophthalmologists Job Plans.
SAS Doctors contribute to the work of medical royal colleges to maintain standards of patient care and development of future generations of eye doctors
As the demand of patient care and backlogs continue to put pressure on trusts and eye care units, a consequence is the difficulty in medical royal colleges being able to maintain high standards and resources to assess, examine, educate and train future generations of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals to deliver comprehensive care to patients safely and in a timely way. These responsibilities are incorporated into the charter of royal colleges.
ePortfolio Pilot
The Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) Project Board is overseeing the ePortfolio Pilot Programme which started on 28 September with a fantastic face-to-face testing event at the College. This was the first time that the new ePortfolio had been experienced by any of our trainees or supervisors.