Terms of Reference
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists Scientific Committee
Terms of Reference
The Scientific Committee is one of the standing Committees of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and is responsible to its Council, and shall abide by the ordinances and bye-laws of the College.
Purpose
The Committee is responsible for scientific activities of the College.
Specifically, the committee is responsible for:
- Organisation and delivery of the Annual Congress, which is the largest ophthalmic meeting in the UK.
- Organisation and delivery of the Seminar Programme
- BOSU (British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit), the facility which oversees the nationwide surveillance of uncommon ophthalmological conditions of public health importance, and research of uncommon ophthalmic disorders
- Publications: Eye, Focus and Clinical Guidelines
- Ocular Public Health
- Advise Council on determination of the framework for scientific research in ophthalmology and visual sciences
- Dissemination of scientific information to the membership, as well as the public and media.
The Chair
The Chair of the Committee shall be elected from present and past members of Council, by postal ballot of the current membership of Council. The term of office is four (4) years, which is not renewable.
The Chair will sit on all the other standing Committees of the College (Executive, Education, Equivalence, Examinations, Finance, Professional Standards and Training) as an ex-officio member.
The Chair will also represent the College on matters related scientific activities, and deputise for the President as necessary.
Membership
· The Chair
· Other College Officers (ex-officio)
· Honorary Programme and Seminar Secretary
· Chair of BOSU or representative
· Representative of the SAS
· Representative of the OTG
· Lay member (nominated by LAG)
· Chair of Ocular Public Health Group or representative
· Elected Members of Council by agreement of the Chair, while still on Council
· Other members from outside Council by secondment through the prerogative of the Chair of the Committee for a maximum period of 6 years
Functions
The Committee shall
· Be guided by the Chair and Honorary Programme Secretary to determine the scientific content, subject and speakers for the Annual Congress. The venue of Congress will be decided by the Chairman and the Head of Scientific Department.
· Select abstracts for free paper and poster presentations at Congress
· Determine the Seminar Programme for each year such that there is effective supplementation of the scientific and educational goals of Congress.
· Determine the requirements for clinical guidelines
· Set up subcommittees or working parties to produce guidelines, and oversee the compilation, production and the consultation process, and associated with the guidelines, and ratification of the completed document before publication
· Ensure that there are timely and regular revisions of existing guidelines and other scientific information to national and international standards
i) advise on the commissioning of topics for publication in Focus
ii) Support the College journal, Eye
iii) Support BOSU
iv) Ensure the dissemination of scientific information to the membership, and the public
v) Seek and advocate for funds to support high quality ophthalmology and related research, and research training in ophthalmology
vi) Review and advise on College documents as appropriate
vii) Promote ocular public health
Current Sub-committees and Working Parties
· Seminars
· BOSU
· Clinical Guidelines
· AMD Service Provisions
· Abstract Selection Committee
· Eye Editorial Board
Meetings
There shall be 3 meetings, normally, every year.
Conduct at meetings and minutes
Discussions
within the meetings are deemed confidential so as to allow free interchange of
ideas. A record of proceedings shall be prepared by a member of the College
staff nominated by the Head of Scientific Department, and shall be placed
before the next Council meeting.
Reporting
The Scientific Committee reports to Council.
Conflicts of Interest
When the interests of a member of the Committee or any of its subcommittees or working parties conflicts, or appears to conflict with that of the College, such conflicts must be declared.
General
Membership of the Committee or any of its subcommittees shall be terminated if there is repeated non-attendance at meetings or Congress. Membership of the Committee automatically implies attendance of Congress for at least 3 days (out of 6) every 2 years, and involvement in scientific abstract selection for, and poster judging at, the Annual Congress.
No member shall accept payments for work undertaken on behalf of the College.
Page created: 6th May 2008 (GS)