Guidance & resources

Find trusted guidance and resources to support your practice, service or organisation. Browse clinical guidance, reports and other publications by topic, audience or content type.

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College policy

Expenses Policy

Provides guidance for employees, volunteers and trustees on claiming reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out College business.

First published: 1 October 2026

Patient information

Understanding cataracts
  • Cataract

RNIB and Royal College of Ophthalmologists patient information booklet, Understanding cataracts

First published: 15 September 2026

Patient information

Understanding dry eye
  • Cornea
  • Oculoplastics

RNIB and Royal College of Ophthalmologists patient information booklet, Understanding dry eye

First published: 15 September 2026

Patient information

Understanding nystagmus
  • Neuro-ophthalmology
  • Paediatric ophthalmology

RNIB and Royal College of Ophthalmologists patient information booklet, Understanding nystagmus

First published: 15 September 2026

Patient information

Understanding posterior vitreous detachment
  • Retina

RNIB and Royal College of Ophthalmologists patient information booklet, Understanding posterior vitreous detachment

First published: 15 September 2026

Patient information

Understanding retinal detachment
  • Retina

RNIB and Royal College of Ophthalmologists patient information booklet, Understanding retinal detachment

First published: 15 September 2026

Patient information

Understanding glaucoma
  • Glaucoma

RNIB and Royal College of Ophthalmologists patient information booklet, Understanding glaucoma

First published: 15 September 2026

College policy

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Sets out the College’s commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion across our membership, workforce and activities, and to eliminating unlawful discrimination.

First published: 6 April 2026

College policy

Sponsorship Policy

Sets out how the College considers and manages sponsorship from external organisations while protecting its independence, integrity and reputation.

First published: 2 March 2026

College policy

Social Media Policy

Provides guidance for staff, volunteers and members on using social media appropriately when representing, discussing or engaging with the College.

First published: 2 March 2026

College policy

Volunteering Policy

Sets out the principles for recruiting, supporting and overseeing volunteers who contribute to the work of the College.

First published: 3 November 2025

College policy

Endorsement Policy

Explains when and how the College may formally endorse external guidance, resources, educational programmes and other materials.

Last updated or reviewed: 20 May 2026

College policy

Conflict of Interest Policy

Sets out how actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest must be identified, declared, recorded and managed by people acting on behalf of the College.

First published: 3 November 2025

College policy

Volunteer Policy

Sets out the framework for recruiting, supporting and managing people who volunteer their time and expertise on behalf of the College.

First published: 3 November 2025

College policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Sets out the principles for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence across the College. It provides guidance on governance, data protection, human oversight, transparency and the ap

First published: 1 October 2025

College policy

Health and Safety Policy and Handbook

Sets out how the College manages health, safety and welfare to provide a safe and healthy environment for staff and others affected by our activities. It covers responsibilities, risk management and p

First published: 9 September 2025

Governance document

Code of Conduct

Provides clear expectations for how RCOphth employees, volunteers, members, fellows (in all categories) and other healthcare professionals conduct themselves.

First published: 29 August 2025

College policy

Information Security Policy

Establishes clear rules and guidelines for managing the secure access of information assets, including systems, applications and data, to prevent unauthorised access and misuse.

First published: 4 August 2025

College policy

Institutional neutrality position

Our position explains why the College remains institutionally neutral on geopolitical issues, while recognising their impact on our members and communities.

First published: 29 July 2025

College policy

Canvassing Code of Practice

Sets out the rules and expectations for candidates taking part in College elections, including how they may communicate with members and promote their candidacy.

First published: 4 July 2025

College policy

Whistleblowing Policy

Explains how people connected with the College can raise concerns about suspected wrongdoing, malpractice or serious misconduct in the public interest. I

First published: 2 June 2025

College policy

Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy

Explains how the College collects, uses, stores and protects personal and confidential information in line with data protection law.

First published: 4 November 2024

Governance document

Modern Slavery Statement

Sets out the College’s commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our organisation and supply chains. It explains the due diligence, supplier checks, policies and staff aware

First published: 1 October 2024

College policy

Complaints Policy

Explains how individuals can raise a complaint about College services, policies, products or behaviour and how those concerns will be considered.

First published: 1 August 2024

Patient information

Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
  • Paediatric ophthalmology

Information for parents and carers about treatment for ROP. Find out why your baby may need treatment, what the treatment involves, possible risk and what to expect afterwards.

Last updated or reviewed: 3 August 2021

Clinical guidance

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine retinopathy monitoring
  • Retina

Guidance on monitoring for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine retinopathy, including risk factors, screening intervals, diagnostic tests and service delivery.

Last updated or reviewed: 1 December 2020

Patient information

Phakic intraocular lens implantation
  • Cataract
  • Refractive surgery

Information about phakic intraocular lens implantation, including who may be suitable, how the procedure works, its benefits and risks, alternatives, recovery and treatment costs.

Last updated or reviewed: 3 December 2024

Patient information

Refractive lens exchange
  • Refractive surgery

Refractive lens exchange replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. This patient information explains who may be suitable, the benefits,

Last updated or reviewed: 3 December 2024

Patient information

Refractive surgery checklist for patients
  • Refractive surgery

A checklist to help you discuss refractive surgery with your surgeon, including treatment options, costs, risks, aftercare and what to consider before deciding whether to proceed.

Last updated or reviewed: 3 July 2018

Patient information

Roles within the refractive surgery team
  • Refractive surgery

A guide to the professionals involved in refractive surgery, what each team member does, and who is responsible for your care before, during and after surgery.

Last updated or reviewed: 3 July 2018

Patient information

Laser vision correction
  • Refractive surgery

Information for people considering laser vision correction, including who may be suitable, the different procedures, benefits, risks, side effects, alternatives, recovery and costs.

Last updated or reviewed: 3 December 2024

Clinical guidance

Diagnostic pathway following child vision screening
  • Leadership & management
  • Paediatric ophthalmology

This document summarises the referral pathway for children who fail vision screening aged 4 to 5 years as part of the childhood vision screening programme.

Last updated or reviewed: 1 July 2023

Clinical guidance

Professional standards for refractive surgery
  • Quality & safety
  • Refractive surgery

Guidance fo on delivering safe, ethical refractive surgery. Covers standards for consent, patient care, governance and clinical practice to support high-quality outcomes and patient safety.

Last updated or reviewed: 1 December 2024

Governance document

Ordinances

The ordinances set out the College’s constitutional rules for membership, governance, Council and Trustees, meetings, administration and financial management.

Last updated or reviewed: 19 May 2026

Governance document

Royal Charter

The Royal Charter sets out the College's charitable objects, powers and overarching governance framework.

Last updated or reviewed: 22 May 2007