What does being a research-active ophthalmologist mean?
Ophthalmologists can potentially have a long and rewarding career, made all the more interesting by participating in research, which can take many forms. These include:
- leading research projects
- recruiting patients for clinical trials
- submitting data to epidemiological studies through BOSU
- identifying research questions
- supporting colleagues running projects
- developing innovations, translating and implementing research studies.
The College recognises the value of research and we provide educational content and run courses to inform and support ophthalmologists to carry out research. We manage audits, such as the National Ophthalmology Database Audit (NOD) and data collection through the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit. All ophthalmologists can contribute to these areas of research activity that benefit patient care.
We support ophthalmologists to participate in and contribute to clinical research as part of their core activity. The College supports ‘Ophthalmic Research By All’ as part of core activity for all ophthalmic professionals.
Put research at the heart of your practice.
Academic and research in ophthalmology
We believe that ophthalmology and visual science research is the cornerstone of delivering innovation in the eye health care of eye patients and in eradicating eye disease and should be promoted and protected accordingly. So we are committed to supporting members’ involvement in research across the spectrum – from discovery science to translation.
We work with a range of stakeholders to ensure the systems and networks are in place to enable all ophthalmologists to put research at the centre of their practice.
We recognise the need for diversity and equality in patient participation in research and actively work to promote this.
We support the Government’s mission to ensure that everyone is able to participate. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has found that patients and the public are keen to get involved with research. As an ophthalmologist, you have an opportunity to encourage patients and carers to take part in the research.
Academic ophthalmology
Academic ophthalmology is the subspecialty that forms the cornerstone of research in ophthalmology and vision sciences, for which the UK has a world-leading reputation across the spectrum from discovery science to translation.
This is an important subspecialty and we support ophthalmologists who wish to pursue this subspecialty. Find out how we support academic ophthalmologists at each stage of their career in Advancing Academic Ophthalmology.
