News & Views

We spoke to Dr Vickie Lee about her work, her involvement with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and why collaboration is at the heart of modern ophthalmology.

Following representations from the College over many years, we are pleased that NHS England has listened and made a significant change that will incentivise NHS trusts to better prioritise more complex ophthalmology care. From tomorrow (1 April), changes to the NHS Payment Scheme (which determines what providers are paid in England for delivering different NHS ophthalmology services and treatments) will see prices paid to cataract services providers cut by 20%.

Congratulations to Abdulmalik Alsaif, Tafadzwa Young-Zvandasara and Blanca Sanz-Magallon, recipients of the 2025/26 Zakarian Award, which we deliver in partnership with Fight for Sight. 

We have re-evaluated this Outlier Policy as it relates to surgeons’ Posterior Capsule Rupture (PCR) rates to make it a more practical and useful tool for supporting safe delivery of care and driving quality improvement.

We’ve rounded up some recent coverage of the College and members in national, regional and trade news media, on television, on the radio and in print. Thanks to everyone who contributed time and expertise, helping us to raise awareness about critical eye health issues and advocate for positive patient outcomes.

Ahead of World Glaucoma Week and the planned second reading of the Glaucoma Care (England) Bill in Parliament, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society has published a joint statement outlining its view on the future of glaucoma care.

The College supports the intent of the bill to tackle high competition ratios for training places and ensure a sustainable NHS workforce. As we have consistently highlighted, ophthalmology has one of the highest competition ratios of any training programme and chronic workforce shortages.

The College is expressing concerns that the Welsh Government’s response to the report following its inquiry into ophthalmology services does not reflect the urgency of the challenges facing ophthalmology services in Wales.

Academic research is essential to delivering high-quality, equitable eye care. It underpins clinical excellence, drives innovation, and helps ensure ophthalmology continues to meet the needs of patients and the NHS. Research is a core part of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ work and purpose.

Congratulations to Dr Priyanka Sharma, who has been awarded the Chandra Award for 2025.