Vaccination as a condition of deployment (VCOD) for all healthcare workers
Secretary of State Sajid Javid announces revoking mandatory vaccination as a condition of deployment for all healthcare workers.
News & Views
Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
‘Ophthalmologists need to be part of the change’ – how you can support integrated care
Lawrence Gnanaraj, consultant ophthalmologist and Chair of the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Eye Care Alliance, shares his experience of the move towards integrating care and how ophthalmologists can get involved in developing services for their region.
RCOphth publishes briefing on target to cut outpatient follow-ups by 25%
Over the next financial year, NHS systems in England have been asked to reduce outpatient follow-up appointments by a quarter. This RCOphth briefing provides information on steps ophthalmology departments can take, and the need for NHS trusts to avoid a blanket approach towards implementation.
MPs debate key eye health issues in Parliament
In a debate in Westminster this week, Members of Parliament from various parties discussed how to better support eye care services. This included focusing on workforce shortages in ophthalmology, the need for better integration and a national strategy for eye health.
Mandatory vaccinations confirmed from April for healthcare workers in England
Following the announcement in 2021 that all frontline health and care workers in England will be required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment from April 2022, regulations to enforce these requirements have now been made
NHS planning guidance aims for 25% cut in outpatient follow ups alongside increase in elective activity
Annual planning guidance published by NHS England has set out priorities for increases in elective and diagnostic activity, as well as the ambition to reduce outpatient follow-ups by a quarter over the next year. The 2022/23 guidance contains a number of targets which are particularly relevant to ophthalmology.
End of year message from the President, Bernie Chang
As we head into the season’s holidays, the health service faces renewed pressures from the new Covid variant, omicron. I know that we all stand ready to support our colleagues in acute care and Covid wards if needed.
The RCOphth crest is evolving
It is good practice for an organisation to review how it is represented by its branding and positioning and this was carried out in 2020. The development of a new dynamic RCOphth website also precipitated this review to ensure that the RCOphth crest design worked alongside the new website design.
GMC report highlights pressure on ophthalmologists in training
The annual report into the state of medical training and practice in the UK has illustrated the pressure that ophthalmologists in training continue to face as the pandemic continues, with rates of burnout increasing faster than any other specialty.
Volunteers needed for Crisis at Christmas eyecare clinics in London
Want to make a difference at Christmas? Volunteers are needed for temporary eye care clinics for people experiencing homelessness in London.