News & Views

We have reaffirmed our support for the #SASsix campaign in light of the concerns raised by the recent BMJ investigation into locally employed and SAS doctors working in insecure or inappropriate contracts. SAS and LED ophthalmologists are an essential part of the eye care workforce, contributing expertise and continuity of care across services. Yet the investigation reflects challenges many of our colleagues continue to face: limited access to structured training, variable recognition of their roles, and employment arrangements that do not always align with national standards.

Read our latest policy roundup, a series of advocacy updates on our most recent policy and public affairs activities and successes.

We are pleased to see an inquiry into ophthalmology services in Wales make far-reaching recommendations to policymakers that could help tackle challenges around workforce, estates and IT infrastructure that face ophthalmology services in Wales. The College provided detailed written and oral input to the inquiry.

Following the election that took place in October and November, the Responsible Officer Stephen Jones has confirmed that Mohamed Elalfy has been elected as the next President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Professor Ben Burton will officially hand over the office of President at the AGM at Congress in May 2026.

The College has expressed its support for the newly-published Position statement on clinical research from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC).

The College provided evidence to the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry on Reducing NHS waiting times for elective care and College President Professor Ben Burton has commented on the committee’s report, which was published today.

We have recently published updated guidance on Higher Flow Any Complexity Cataract Surgery (HFAC), which builds on learning from the national cataract hub model to define best practice for delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable cataract surgery across all levels of case complexity. 

Read our latest policy roundup, a series of advocacy updates on our most recent policy and public affairs activities and successes.

Vikas Chadha, Chair of the College’s Training Committee, has commented on NHS England’s report on phase 1 of the Medical Training Review, which was published last week, saying: “It is encouraging that many of the challenges facing ophthalmology training, which we highlighted in our submission, have been recognised in NHS England’s initial review of medical training."

Over the past few months we have had coverage across a range of media, with members giving quotes and comments to regional and national publications. Thanks to those who contributed their expertise, helping us to raise awareness about critical eye health issues and advocate for positive patient outcomes.