Review your Cataract Audit data by 25 March 2024
Contributing surgeons and centres are invited to validate their cataract audit data on the RCOphth NOD audit website by 25 March 2024.
News & Views
Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
BOSU funding boost announced on Rare Disease Day
The Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU), which runs the world’s only nationwide surveillance unit for epidemiological research into rare eye conditions, is being boosted by a new by a new grant from Fight for Sight that will enable its continuing support for UK research into rare eye disorders. Launched today, on Rare Disease Day, the funding from eye research charity Fight for Sight of £204,375, matched by the College, will support the BOSU for the next five years.
Glaucoma UK ophthalmology research award open for 2024
We are now inviting applications for this postgraduate research award, a collaboration between the College and Glaucoma UK, which provides up to £100,000 to facilitate research into glaucoma.
Taking part in BOSU made easier
Last month, for the first time since it went digital, the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) had a response rate of over 50%, and 31 positive case reports for the deterioration of sight following delay and sympathetic ophthalmia studies. We encourage all ophthalmologists in the UK to take part in BOSU. It’s easy to do and you’ll be contributing to this unique resource that advances knowledge and improvement of the prevention, treatment and service planning of these disorders.
New guideline on abusive head trauma
An updated clinical guideline, Abusive Head Trauma and the Eye in Infancy, is now available. It’s an important evidence-based document that updates the previous guideline published in 2013.
College staff appointments
Recent months have seen some additions and changes to the College’s staff team.
New strategy will boost excellence, development and voice of ophthalmology
Our new organisational strategy launched on 1 January. Covering the period from 2024 to 2026, it sets out our commitment to championing the eye health specialty and improving patient care.
Postcode lottery for cataract training in independent sector
Despite important progress over the last two years, cataract surgery training opportunities in independent sector providers remain limited and in some areas – including the South West of England and London – there is no training at all in the independent sector, insights from our Ophthalmologists in Training Group (OTG) indicate.
The College in the news
Our media coverage in November included mentions in the Financial Times and Medscape online news. Our active engagement with the media reflects our commitment to raising awareness about critical issues, advocating for reform, and increasing the profile of ophthalmology.
Westminster Eye Health Day
As part of our commitment to advocate for the ophthalmology workforce and foster effective primary and secondary eyecare integration, we co-hosted the annual Parliamentary event, Westminster Eye Health Day, on 11 December. The event, held in collaboration with The Eyes Have It and hosted by Marsha de Cordova MP, aimed to highlight the challenges in eye care services to policymakers and elevate eye care on the political agenda.