Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
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.
Eighteen months on from the introduction of a new ophthalmology specialist training (OST) curriculum the College is consulting on some proposed improvements to ensure that we continue to promote the highest possible standards for the training of resident doctors.
We have agreed a new pilot collaboration with the Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Project (CEV@US), aimed at strengthening the evidence base that underpins our guidelines. This pilot will begin with the guidelines on Infection Keratitis.
We have this week published a new version of our Blueprint for cataract training in the independent sector, which is aimed at supporting training providers and trainers to deliver appropriate and safe cataract training within the independent sector.
We have enhanced our suite of guidance with the recent publication of two new Concise Practice Points.
In recent months, the College and members have featured in national, regional and trade news media, on television, on the radio and in print. Here’s a summary of some of the latest coverage. Thanks to everyone who contributed time and expertise, helping us to raise awareness about critical eye health issues and advocate for positive patient outcomes.
The 2025 winner of the Dr Sadhu Ram Gupta MBE Award for International (non-UK) Examination Candidates is Dr Ahad Sharif from Islamabad, Pakistan.
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.
