News & Views

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), in partnership with NHS England, has published a new set of ‘evidence based interventions (EBI)’ including measures for ophthalmology. The guidance aims to increase ophthalmic capacity in England by improving efficiency in the referral pathways for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts into hospital eye services. Implementing these changes will require clinicians and commissioners to work closely together, ensuring effective pathways are developed that are properly resourced. 

The Seed Award supports a diverse portfolio of research projects with a clear pathway to patient benefit. All research should aim focus on eventual diagnostic, prevention or treatment solutions applicable to eye conditions. The maximum value of this grant is £15,000 with a maximum term of 1 year. The Seed Award supports a diverse portfolio of research projects with a clear pathway to patient benefit. All research should aim focus on eventual diagnostic, prevention or treatment solutions applicable to eye conditions. The maximum value of this grant is £15,000 with a maximum term of 1 year.

NHS England has published a Long Term Workforce Plan which sets out actions over the next 15 years aimed at tackling the NHS workforce crisis in England. RCOphth Policy Manager Jordan Marshall assesses the implications for ophthalmology and the unanswered questions.

In November 2022, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists Paediatric Sub-committee held a series of focus groups to explore the challenges facing paediatric eye care and identify possible solutions to secure the future of the workforce. Following the conclusion of these focus groups, the RCOphth has produced ‘Improving the visibility of paediatric ophthalmology: A workforce report‘ detailing key findings

The 2024 Congress will take place at the ICC, Belfast from 20 – 23  May 2024 and will be fully in person, with talks available on demand after the meeting. The College are looking for suggestions for parallel sessions. These can be 60 or 90 minutes and can cover any aspect of ophthalmology. We are particularly looking for sessions that cover the latest research, innovations or treatments and have something new to say. Topics can cover any aspect of ophthalmology, whether a broad overview of a subspecialty or a narrower focus on a particular disease.

GMC’s annual report into workplace experiences has identified worrying trends around higher workloads, stress related absence and risk of burnout. What are the key findings, what solutions are proposed and how does this tally with what is happening in ophthalmology?