Our stories show how our work has helped shape policy, strengthen services and improve opportunities for ophthalmologists and patients.
The challenge
As more NHS cataract surgery in England moved to independent sector providers in the early 2020s, ophthalmologists in training had fewer opportunities to gain the surgical experience they needed.
What we did
We worked with independent sector providers, NHS England, ophthalmologists in training and heads of school to develop a Blueprint for cataract training in the independent sector, published in 2022. We also supported NHS England to introduce a cataract service specification that set clear expectations for the delivery of training within independent sector providers.
The impact
Access to cataract training improved year on year. By 2025, procedure numbers for ophthalmologists in training had returned to pre-pandemic levels. The GMC’s National Training Survey also showed a significant increase in the proportion of resident doctors who could easily access training opportunities in the independent sector, where required, rising from 8% to 39%.
What’s next
In 2026, we published an updated blueprint to reflect new learning and broaden opportunities for specialty and specialist doctors, locally employed doctors, clinical fellows and consultants. We continue to work with partners to improve cataract training across the independent sector.
The challenge
The NHS tariff system meant that more complex ophthalmology services, including care for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and paediatric ophthalmology, were often not funded in a way that reflected the resources required to deliver them.
What we did
We consistently made the case to policymakers, including through meetings and responses to the 2025 NHS Payment Scheme consultation, that reducing the tariff for routine cataract surgery and reinvesting those savings into more complex care would better support patients at risk of avoidable sight loss.
The impact
In March 2026, NHS England introduced changes to ophthalmology tariffs. Payments for NHS cataract surgery were reduced by 20%, with the savings redirected to support more complex ophthalmology services.
What’s next
We are monitoring the impact of these changes to understand whether they lead to better resourcing for complex ophthalmology services and improved care for patients at risk of irreversible sight loss.
These stories are just two examples of how we work with governments, the NHS, regulators and partners to influence policy and improve eye care.