Membership by Election

There is a new route to become a full member of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK.

Successful applicants will be awarded the post nominals “MRCOphth ”.

This route is available for existing Affiliate members and non members who fulfil certain criteria.  Newly appointed substantive NHS consultants and Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors who have provided long term service (i.e. 10 years) to the NHS can apply.  In addition, SAS ophthalmologists in a substantive NHS post for 5 years or more who can demonstrate a high level of dedication and achievement in clinical care and/or a high level of support to the development of healthcare services including research and/or a high level of support to the activities of this College are eligible to apply.

Advantages of belonging to The Royal College of Ophthalmologists

The main advantage of membership is belonging to the only professional body that sets the standards for ophthalmologists and acts for the benefit of patients.

In addition, you are entitled to the following:

1. Receipt of the Journal Eye
2. Receipt of “College News”
3. Receipt of an annual diary
4. Registration for ePortfolio/CPD 
5. Access to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic News and Education (ONE) Network.
6. Eligibility to sit on the College's Committees and Sub-committees
7. Eligibility to stand for Council in appropriate elections and become a College Officer, Vice-President or President
8. The College has groups representing the special interests of Trainees and Staff and Associate Specialist doctors with an interest in Ophthalmology
9. The College issues guidelines and protocols on a variety of topics and advice on such matters as the Hospital Eye Service and Job Plans, all of which are available to members
10. Opportunities for involvement in the College Seminar programme 
11. Eligibility to represent the College on Training Committees, Advisory Appointments Committees and to become a College Tutor
12. The subscription is a fully Tax-deductible professional expense
13. Eligibility to vote in College elections including the election of the President
14. Eligibility to apply to be a College examiner

Membership by Election: Application Process

Candidates must produce:

1. A letter requesting that they wish to be considered for Membership by Election, specifying on which grounds.
2. An abbreviated curriculum vitae.
3. The names and addresses of two existing Members or Fellows who know the applicant and are prepared to act as referees.
4. A signed Applicant Declaration form.
5. Supporting evidence of contribution to teaching/training/management/leading a service (e.g. letter from Hospital Manager, Deanery or Lead Clinician).

All correspondence must be sent to:

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

Hon.Sec@rcophth.ac.uk

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

One Regional Representative and the Honorary Secretary will on behalf of Council determine the suitability of the candidate based on the eligibility criteria above.  A recommendation to support (or not) the submission will be made to the College Council at its next meeting.  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 meeting.  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.

*Members by Election are awarded MRCOphth.  To maintain the privilege to use these post nominals, they are expected to keep up to date with their subscriptions.  The College Council has the discretion to withdraw Membership from members who are not in good standing.

Guidance for Awarding Membership by Election

Awarded to persons who are not members of the College and who can demonstrate a high level of dedication and achievement in clinical care and/or a high level of support to the development of healthcare services including research and/or a high level of support to the activities of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK.

Include:

1)  Appointment as a substantive consultant in an NHS post

This is to recognize that consultants have been appointed by an Advisory Appointments Panel and are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council.

(Please note that that NHS Consultant of 5 years standing can apply for Fellowship by Election)

            Or

2) 10 years service in any substantive NHS post.

Or

3) 5 years service in any substantive NHS post with at least 3 of the following:

• A record of teaching and training of ophthalmic trainees including being Educational Supervisor or College Tutor.
• A record of developing or leading a service e.g. diabetic screening, community or primary care eye service etc.
• Involvement with management within Trust e.g. as audit lead or lead clinician etc.
• Involvement with GPs/optometrists/nurses to develop a service e.g. eye casualty etc.
• Involvement with teaching and training of GPs, optometrists, medical students and other allied health professionals.
• A record of a high level of work/support for RCOphth including regular attendance at College meetings such as Congress (e.g. every 2 years) and guest speaker at College organized events. Help with organising College examinations e.g. recruiting suitable patients etc will also be considered.
• A record of Commitment to research including Poster or paper. presentations at national meetings e.g. Congress and Publications in peer reviewed journals.