So that all may see

Welcome to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the professional body for eye doctors. The College champions excellence in the practice of ophthalmology for the benefit of patients and the public. This extends to the practice of high quality ophthalmic care, not only in the UK, but worldwide. We set standards for postgraduate education and professional practice and promote ground-breaking research.

This website gives a wealth of information which I hope you will find of interest. We welcome questions and comments.

John Lee - President

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists
17 Cornwall Terrace
London
NW1 4QW

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7935 0702
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7935 9838
Email: President@rcophth.ac.uk

Counci Elections 2010 - Online ballots open for voting in Mersey, Scotland West, South East Thames, Trent, West Midlands and Wessex Regions. Instructions and further information can be found in the Members area (posted 18th February 2010)

Congress 2010 registration is now open - please click here to register and for all Congress information (posted 15th February 2010)

Clinical Leadership in tough times -It is no secret that the NHS will presently face financial pressures and regardless of the forthcoming General Election outcome. There are some who argue that the NHS may be improved by austerity. In such times of change it is important that the voices of clinicians - medical, nursing and allied healthcare- are heard in any reconfigurations of patient care. Because clinicians are often best placed to lead innovations and service redesign, such as vertical integration between 1ry and 2ndry and 3ry care, now is the time for clinical leadership. The Clinical Leaders Network (CLN) is a regional NHS forum for such leadership. Consultant ophthalmologists in England are encouraged to join the CLN and to be involved in such regional NHS leadership. Visit WWW.CLN.NHS.UK for details. SIMON KELLY FRCOphth. CLN Member, NHS Northwest (posted 24 February 2010)

Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Advice on Supporting Professional Activities in consultant job planning (posted 10th February 2010)

College Statement on the Nice Guidelines on Glaucoma (posted 12th February 2010)

FREE places available on the College Focus on AMD Regional Symposia Calendar 2010. View the venues and programmes here

Core Outcome Sets for Clinical Trials free course at Liverpool Medical Institution on Tuesday 19th January 2010. To register for free got to http://www.liv.ac.uk/nwhtmr/index.htm or email nwhtmr@liv.ac.uk (posted 8th January 2010)

Why not view the Eponymous Lectures from Congress 2009. Full video presentations are available from the Members area. (posted 4th January 2010)

Entries are now invited for the 2010 Ruskell Medal awarded by The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (posted 22nd December 2009)

The Joint Group on NICE Glaucoma Guideline publishes Guidance (posted 17th December 2009)

View new document published - Maximising Capacity in AMD Services 2009 (posted 7th December 2009)

Joint College SAS Conference - Booking now live http://www.rcseng.ac.uk/support/joint-sas-conference (posted 7th December 2009)

NHS Evidence - eyes and vision is pleased to present an Evidence Update on Glaucoma during the week 23rd - 29th November 2009 (posted 23rd November 2009)

Statement - Referrals for Glaucoma Assessment (posted 3rd November 2009)

Press Release - First Meeting of the Joint Group on the NICE Glaucoma Guideline (posted 25th September 2009)

To find out more about e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) and to receive quarterly updates please complete the online form at www.eye-site.org.uk

Health Protection Agency issues new guidance on minimising the risk of transmission of CJD via eye surgery (posted 24th July 2009)

H1N1 type A influenza (Swine Flu) - Public health information can be found on the Health Protection Agency (HPA) website and via NHS Direct. Anyone who suspects they may have swine flu should read up on swine flu symptoms then use the NHS Direct swine flue symptoms checker. If you are still concerned stay at home and contact your General Practitioner. Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu so wash your hands regularly with soap and water and always cover your nose and mouth with a clean tissue when sneezing or coughing and bin the tissue as soon as possible. Go to DirectGov for essential cross-government information on swine flu including advice on travel, schools and other public services.

The Consultant Ophthalmologist document has been added to the website under The College section (posted 19th June 2009)

For information and advice to the public on Laser Eye Surgery, please click here.