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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.
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
Clinical guidance
Day one post-operative review in modern vitrectomy surgery
- Retina
When post-operative day one review after vitrectomy may be omitted, considered or advised balancing patient safety, follow-up burden and risk of raised IOP
Last updated or reviewed: 2 January 2026
2 October 2026
Student/ Foundation Doctors Ophthalmology Review Day (SORD/ FORD) Glasgow
This event will cover clinical knowledge and skills at a level appropriate for medical students in their clinical years and foundation doctors interested in pursuing ophthalmology. It’s a refresher course intended for medical students and foundation doctors who want to cover the essential ophthalmology knowledge and core skills in a day. By the end of the day attendees should be able to safely assess patients presenting with an ophthalmic problem and make an appropriate management or referral decision.
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Glasgow
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9:45 am
5 October 2026
Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery course - 5 October 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.
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London
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9:00 am
6 October 2026
Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery course - 6 October 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.
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London
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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
10 August 2026
News
Obituary: Professor William R Lee CBE
Professor Lee, Honorary Fellow of the College and one of the foremost ophthalmic pathologists of his generation, died on 3 July at the age of 93.
10 August 2026
News
College advises eclipse watchers against looking directly at the sun
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is urging people planning to watch this week’s solar eclipse to protect their sight, warning that even brief exposure to the sun can cause lasting vision damage.
5 August 2026
News
The College and members in the news
Members are helping to promote the College and its work, raising awareness of eye health and eye care issues, and advocating for positive patient outcomes.