Fellowship by Election

The Ordinances of the College allow the College to accept as members:

"those medical practitioners whose published work or whose attainments in ophthalmology or related subjects shall, in the opinion of the Council, justify admission to Fellowship either without examination or subject only to limited examination pursuant to the Byelaws."

Council has determined that candidates may seek Fellowship:

1. by virtue of their published works or attainments in ophthalmology
   
   or
2. on holding a substantive NHS Consultant post in ophthalmology for five years

Candidates must produce:

1. A letter requesting that they be considered for Fellowship by election, specifying on which grounds
   
2. A curriculum vitae
3. The names and addresses of two existing Members or Fellows who know the applicant and are prepared to act as referees.

All correspondence must be sent to:

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

The membership department will approach the Members or Fellows who are prepared to act as sponsors for references.

The submission will be decided at the next available Council following receipt of all necessary paperwork. Council meetings are held four times a year, generally in March, June, September and December.

Candidates should be aware that the Ordinances state:

"The Council shall have absolute power and discretion in deciding upon any application and its decision shall be final, and it shall not be bound to give any reason for its decision."

Candidates will be notified of the outcome within 10 working days of the Council. Subscriptions, for those who have been successful, become payable on the 1st January. There will be a pro-rata charge for the first year, depending on the date of acceptance.

Page Updated: 4 August 2009 (EJM)