As the voice of the profession, we work closely with our members, partners across the eye care sector and policymakers to improve public policy so key challenges facing ophthalmology services across the UK are recognised and addressed.
Since our last roundup, we:
- Responded to the government’s national conversation on its forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan for England. In line with our key policy priorities, we argued for a shift in system focus from prioritising clinical volume to those with highest clinical need, a focus on getting the IT basics right, a reinforced long term commitment to delivering the medical workforce we need to meet patient demand (including a phased increase of 285 ophthalmology training places by 2031), and a commitment to delivering a national plan for eye care. We also contributed to joint responses with the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning and The Eyes Have It (TEHI), a Roche-funded partnership.
- Articulated the key challenges facing ophthalmology services to the Health Minister responsible for eye care in England, Stephen Kinnock MP, at a TEHI-convened meeting in Westminster.
- Published the results of our second survey tracking cataract training opportunities in the independent sector. This found continuing improvements, with placements available in nearly all regions where independent sector providers (ISPs) operate. These positive steps reflect the collaborative work over the last two years between RCOphth, training programme directors, the independent sector and ophthalmologists in training – exemplified in our 2022 blueprint for cataract training in the independent sector. RCOphth will step up its efforts to ensure further and quicker progress though, as trainees still report they need additional training opportunities in ISPs.
- Joined policymakers, patient representatives and clinicians for the 2024 Wales Eyecare Conference in Cardiff, hosted by Wales Council of the Blind. This saw our Llywydd, Rhianon Reynolds, update attendees on the new National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology. We also raised the need to increase the number of ophthalmology training places in Wales, given the ongoing workforce shortages.
- Attended a meeting of the Cataract Sub-Specialty Delivery Group, an NHS Scotland forum via which we can help shape the future design and delivery of cataract services in Scotland. Key issues discussed included cataract training and guidelines relating to immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery.
