Research

Why research matters

Research provides the evidence that underpins modern eye care. It helps ensure decisions about diagnosis, treatment and service delivery are based on the best available knowledge. 

Research helps to: 

• improve patient outcomes
• develop new treatments and technologies
• strengthen clinical decision making
• improve how services are organised and delivered 
• support better quality of life for patients

Research also plays a central role across the NHS. Clinicians are increasingly expected to engage with research and use evidence in everyday practice.

What it means to be a research-active ophthalmologist 

You do not need to lead major studies to contribute to research. Research-active ophthalmologists support the development, delivery and application of evidence in many different ways. 

You might: 

• lead research projects
• act as a local principal investigator for studies
• recruit patients into clinical trials
• contribute data through national research programmes such as BOSU 
• identify research questions through clinical practice 
• support colleagues running research projects
• develop and implement evidence-based innovations
• review papers for scientific journals or contribute to editorial boards

All these activities contribute to improving patient care. 

How the College supports research 

We are committed to supporting research as part of high-quality eye care. We support research by: 

• promoting research as part of everyday ophthalmology practice need to add link to relevant news items
• championing the value of research and innovation
• publishing and sharing research through Eye and Eye Open 
• supporting research participation through programmes such as BOSU 
• supporting academic development and research careers
• connecting ophthalmologists with national programmes and networks 
• sharing research outcomes that improve patient care and services