New ophthalmology specialist training curriculum launched
The new curriculum for doctors on the seven-year ophthalmic specialist training (OST) programme begins today, ready for the start of the new training year
News & Views
Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
RCOphth backs independent prescribing responsibilities for orthoptists
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has written to Health Minister Will Quince MP to express our support for the extension of independent prescribing responsibilities to orthoptists. The British and Irish Orthoptic Society has previously advocated for these responsibilities, including in a letter to the Secretary of State.
Launch of physician associate pilot
We are launching a one-year pilot of physician associates (PAs) within ophthalmology, starting in November 2023. Physician associates are growing in number in the NHS, and the RCOphth and NHS England are keen to explore how the PA role may fit into the ophthalmological workforce.
SAS ophthalmologist job plans need to encourage research
The Academic, Research and Innovation Subcommittee of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists would like to draw your attention to two documents issued recently, regarding guidance on Specialty and Specialist Doctor Ophthalmologists Job Plans.
GMC’s 2023 annual training survey shows progression improving for ophthalmologists in training, alongside concerns over burnout and access to independent sector
What was the experience of ophthalmologists in training in 2023, and how does this compare to previous years? Jordan Marshall, RCOphth Policy Manager and Sam Simpson, specialty trainee and Ophthalmologists in Training Group (OTG) representative, summarise the key findings from the GMC’s 2023 National Training Survey.
Long Term Workforce Plan can boost ophthalmology but further clarity is needed
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.
GMC report highlights growing challenges faced by the medical workforce
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?
GMC Statement:- Tackling differential attainment and supporting progression
This week, the GMC has published the latest data on the progression of doctors in postgraduate medical education across the UK. You can access the data via the reporting tool. The GMC has also produced a summary report. Tackling barriers that exist in medical education must remain an urgent priority for organisations across the UK’s health services, including all of us with responsibilities for postgraduate training. Fair and supportive training is not only key to the quality of medical education and practice, it’s also vital to help retain healthcare professionals in the UK.
Applications open on 12th June 2023 for the first ever Part 2 FRCOphth Oral examination in Athens, Greece.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is pleased to announce that their prestigious Part 2 FRCOphth Oral examination will be held in Athens, Greece for the first time in October 2023. This marks the first time that the Part 2 FRCOphth Oral exam will be available to sit on the European mainland, enabling candidates in European and neighbouring countries to sit the exam closer to home.
RCOphth Reverse mentoring scheme with a focus on Differential Attainment
This new scheme offers junior ophthalmology doctors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds the opportunity to effect positive change by being a mentor.