Promoting excellence in eye care

We are the membership body for eye doctors. We educate, support and champion our community, set standards, and work collaboratively to safeguard eye health in the UK and globally for generations to come.

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Member ophthalmologists volunteering their time to train future ophthalmologists in the College skills centre Member ophthalmologists volunteering their time to train future ophthalmologists in the College skills centre Member ophthalmologists volunteering their time to train future ophthalmologists in the College skills centre

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    About the College

    We bring together the profession, set standards and work with partners to improve eye care in the UK and globally.

    4,700 members and counting

    Our community brings together ophthalmologists and eye care professionals at every career stage, in the UK and globally.

    By members, for members

    Our regional and international representatives help ensure members’ experiences and perspectives inform College priorities and decisions

    Shaping eye care

    We work with the NHS, governments and professional bodies to influence policies affecting eye care services and the workforce.

    Setting high standards

    Our examinations, curricula and guidance support high standards in ophthalmology education, training and professional practice.

    Featured guidance and resources

    A selection of publications and resources to support your work.

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    Position statement

    Shifting ophthalmology-led care from hospital to community settings
    • Advocacy & influencing
    • Leadership & management

    Safely delivering this shift will require effective governance and quality assurance arrangements, improved IT interoperability and robust strategic commissioning.

    First published: 1 October 2025

    Case study

    Transforming eye care delivery in Devon
    • Cataract
    • Glaucoma
    • Leadership & management

    The One Devon Elective Pilot cut waiting lists by performing same-day cataract surgeries, streamlining medical retina and glaucoma pathways, making better use of theatre space and improving teamwork.

    First published: 1 May 2025

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    Upcoming courses and events

    Develop your skills and stay connected through courses, seminars, webinars and flagship events.

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    8 October 2026

    TTT for Supervisors (Supervision of Training in Practice)

    This Train the Trainer (TTT) course will help Clinical and Educational Supervisors develop skills to make their conversations with trainees more valuable for learning.  It will cover many aspects of the GMC standards required for the appraisal of trainers. This course uses a blend of independent preparatory learning with intensively-facilitated practical sessions on the day.  Pre-recorded lectures circulated beforehand support the small-group work. This course is suitable for SAS Doctors who supervise trainees.

    • London
    • 9:00 am
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    10 November 2026

    Back to Basics - Byte sized topics for all

    Join us for a focused, practical session covering key topics in eye care — from red eyes and corneal ulcers to double vision, disc swelling, and glaucoma. Learn to interpret OCT in Glaucoma and Retina, navigate fundus lesions, and sharpen your clinical decision-making in interpreting biometry. Ask questions, join discussions, and strengthen your skills in a friendly, interactive setting. Price £60 for RCOphth members and £90 for non members. Roche Products Ltd has provided financial support for this meeting but has had no involvement into the agenda or content.

    • Birmingham
    • 9:00 am
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    12 November 2026

    Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery course - 12 November 2026

    This course is designed to serve as an introduction to ophthalmic surgery and will offer an opportunity for trainees to learn some of the core skills that form the building blocks of ophthalmic surgery. The focus will be on hands-on practical experience with only short introductions to each topic and at least 5 hours of simulated surgery using the latest model eyes. The course is open to Foundation Doctors, Medical students, Overseas Doctors, in fact anyone who is considering a career in ophthalmology.

    • London
    • 9:00 am
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      Hear from our members

      Being a member of the College has some huge benefits. My personal favourite is the easy access to the skills centre in London. The surgical simulation is fantastic and one of the best facilities I've seen around Europe

      Dan Lindfield FRCOphth, Fellow, Consultant at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

    • As member of the College, I feel I'm part of a community of Ophthalmologists: I share a network, discuss clinical cases and research and just find out what's happening in general ophthalmology or in our sub-specialties.

      Dr Kavita Aggarwala, Trainee fellow affiliate, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust Foundation

    Latest news and insights

    Recent updates from the College

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    29 September 2026
    News

    Obituary: Michael Nelson

    Michael Eric Nelson, retired consultant ophthalmologist and educator, died on 6 August. His friend Ian Rennie pays tribute to him.

    View all news & insights