Professional Standards for Refractive Surgery

07 Nov 2024
RCOPHTH

These standards for any ophthalmologist in refractive surgery practice in the UK have been updated to align with the comprehensive update of the GMC’s Good Medical Practice in 2024. Key areas of amendment relate include: language proficiency, research, remote consultations, complaints, ending a professional relationship with a patient, and conflicts of interest.

If you have a refractive surgery interest, please ensure that you are familiar with this latest update of Refractive Surgery Standards and also with the GMC’s Good Medical Practice 2024.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery is functional, not cosmetic, and can reduce dependence on spectacles and contact lenses. However, it does share many similarities with cosmetic surgery; for most patients, refractive surgery is elective and self-funded and is predominantly provided by the private healthcare sector.

CertLRS Exam

The CertLRS is a practical examination that tests your ability to perform safe laser refractive surgery. You must take this examination to enter independent practice in the field of laser refractive surgery.