Our priorities for 2024: Securing sustainable ophthalmology services
As we enter an election year, it is imperative we build on the momentum from 2023 to strengthen ophthalmology services, training and research in the UK.
News & Views
Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
Westminster Eye Health Day 2023
Imagine that the entire population of Gloucestershire was waiting for an ophthalmology appointment. And then imagine the outcome if those appointments never happened. Not just for the Gloucestershire people themselves, who might lose their sight or have to live in extreme discomfort or distress. But for the NHS and other healthcare providers facing even greater and more crucial demand, and the local public service providers, who would have to support them and their additional needs, and for the myriad other people, services and organisations involved. It would be catastrophic.
Living RCOphth values and behaviours
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has carried out a culture initiative, exploring working relationships, ways of working and behaviours, which has generated a set of values to bind us together, underpinned by ways of working and behaviours which we feel will really help to generate an even more cohesive and collaborative environment at the College and with members. These values we aspire to are; Inclusive, Innovation, Improvement and Integrity, all with a set of behaviours that demonstrate what these mean in our day to day activities and working relationships. We are now working on meaningfully embedding these values in everything that we do.
Gwyn Williams, Llywydd of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists Wales Committee, reflects on the Pyott Report into Welsh Eye Care Services
Wales has had many problems with the delivery of effective eye care services for a long time, made a lot worse by the challenges of the Covid pandemic, exacerbating backlogs which are potentially putting patient care at risk. The Pyott Report provides recommendations to improve services.
One year on from the National Eye Care Recovery and Transformation Programme: progress and next steps
Mel Hingorani is RCOphth Honorary Secretary and Joint Clinical Lead of the National Eye Care Recovery and Transformation Programme (NECRTP) and is a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital. In this article, she reflects in her College capacity on what has been achieved by the programme so far and what still needs to happen.
Public dissatisfaction with NHS spells out need for action on workforce
With public satisfaction in the NHS falling amid rising waiting times and staff shortages, RCOphth President Professor Bernie Chang outlines the urgent need to increase ophthalmology workforce capacity alongside investing in recovery services.
A step in the right direction to address NHS cataract provision and independent sector challenges
RCOphth President Professor Bernie Chang explains the positive action being taken by NHS England through its cataract specification, which the College has supported to develop.
The National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow Scheme 2022/23
The National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow scheme is run by the Faculty of Medical Leadership & Management (FMLM) and places fellows at a national healthcare-affiliated host organisation for a full-time 12-month position. The scheme is designed to develop skills in leadership, management, strategy, project management, and health policy. For those of you interested in a portfolio career, this interest area is an alternative to the traditional routes of research and teaching.
RCOphth responds to select committees and MPs report on Coronavirus: Lessons learned to date
A joint parliamentary select committee report published yesterday has assessed some of the key decisions the UK has taken during the pandemic and lessons that needed to be learnt. While acknowledging there were some areas where the UK performed well, such as vaccine development and rollout, the report overall is very critical of the UK approach. These criticisms include ‘a degree of groupthink’ on the initial decisions taken on lockdowns and social distancing and stopping community testing early in the pandemic being a ‘serious mistake’. The report also importantly emphasised that a lack of NHS capacity was a significant problem.
Bullying and harassment
The RCOphth believes that everyone should be treated with respect, supported and encouraged to do their best. NHS staff, at all levels, should work in an environment and culture of learning and improving to maintain high standards of patient care.