News & Views

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 UKHSA is investigating a novel cluster of Burkholderia cenocepacia involving 20 cases across the UK. Preliminary epidemiological and microbiological investigations have identified a potential association with carbomer containing lubricating eye gel. Investigations into the link between the cluster and carbomer eye gels are ongoing, and these findings are not conclusive at this stage.

This week (19 – 23 June) is Clinical Audit Awareness Week, a national annual campaign that promotes and celebrates the impact of clinical audits in healthcare. RCOphth runs the world renowned National Ophthalmology Database Audit and is recognised by clinicians, NICE, GIRFT and industry as an important safety and research tool that is used to audit the treatment of cataracts and recently has added the potentially blinding disease of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to its work.

Further to the release of the Device Safety Information issued on the 26 January, the MHRA released a national patient safety alert on the 1 February.

This is a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals and representative organisations to have your say on the way you would like to receive safety information from us.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and The College of Optometrists have collaborated on the Ophthalmic Services guidance: Designing Glaucoma Care Pathways using GLAUC-STRAT-FAST. 

CQC's inspection programme is changing.  Rather than treating surgery as a single speciality they are moving to an approach focused much more on the surgical sub-specialities.  This approach will involve continuous monitoring of key metrics supported by a more detailed review (deep dive) when concerns are raised.  The CQC is looking to recruit 4-5 senior clinicians to assist CQC in a pilot of the new approach.