A picture of Bernie Chang chairing a meeting at the RCOphth

About the College

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists represents the profession in the United Kingdom and supports overseas members in developing countries, building a global community to influence eye health policy and to share standards, training, professional learning and development.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists represents the ophthalmic profession in the United Kingdom and supports overseas members in developing countries, building a global community to influence eye health policy and to share standards, training, professional learning and development.

We are committed to developing and promoting the highest standards of patient care in ophthalmology and work with organisations in the eye health sector and the healthcare system to influence policy development in the UK.  For our international members, we provide e-learning, training and support for developing countries.

The governance of the College as a charity and its finances are managed by the Trustee Board.

Our Charter sets our responsibilities as a membership body

  • advance the science and practice of ophthalmology
  • educate medical practitioners in the science and practice of ophthalmology
  • maintain proper standards in the practice of ophthalmology for the benefit of the public
  • promote study and research in ophthalmology and related subjects and publish the useful results of such study and research
  • further instruction and training in ophthalmology both in the United Kingdom and overseas
  • educate the general public in all matters relating to vision and the health of the human eye

Our Values

Our work is delivered through efficient, flexible and transparent processes, with staff, College Officers and committee members working together and committed to our values.

Inclusion

  • actively welcoming a diversity of experiences and perspectives
  • everyone being respected and encouraged to participate regardless of their background or role

Integrity

  • being open and honest, demonstrating accountability in all its work
  • evidenced-based and transparent decision-making, utilising a range of data, information, expertise and experience

Innovation

  • creating novel opportunities to advance and deliver on its aims, anticipating changing circumstances
  • actively welcoming fresh ideas and approaches
  • fostering a climate of ambition and excellence drawing on expertise from across the College’s communities

Improvement

  • being a learning organisation, reflecting on both successes and mistakes
  • continuous and sustainable development across all its activities

Demonstrating our values through shared behaviours

Adaptable
We work to deliver on our aims and plans while being adaptable and responsive to the need to change

Collaborative
We work together as one College – our membership, our volunteer fellows and members, our staff, our lay members – all as equal partners; we work productively with our stakeholders across the UK and beyond

Decisive
We consult and engage so everyone has a voice in our work to make timely and clear decisions

Progressive
We take and create opportunities to advance and deliver on our aims

Respectful
We support an environment that enables us to hear all relevant voices and empowers people to express a diversity of views; we treat those views considerately

Trusted
We engender a climate of trust in how we work and in what we do so that our stakeholders view us as reliable and credible

Sustainable
We choose options and make decisions as a responsible steward of the environment we work in and for. We aim to develop a workforce that is valued, engaged and reaches its full potential; and strive to support and encourage the College and the communities with whom we work to remain viable and resilient