Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.
Over the last two weeks, both the Conservatives and Labour held their party conferences, at which they debated, discussed, and announced a range of policy measures that will affect ophthalmology services. RCOphth Policy Advisor David Murray rounds up the key announcements and what they mean for ophthalmology.
This year’s SAS National Eye Meeting, which is organised by The RCOphth Staff and Associate Specialist Ophthalmologists Group, will take place in person at the College on 25th November 2022. The one-day seminar will cover a wide range of topics that SAS doctors may encounter in their day-to-day clinical practice.
Currently, there is no standardisation across ophthalmic imaging technologies with the consequence that there is no easy way to exchange digital images between systems. Standardisation of digital imaging across eye care services would ensure that there is interoperability and a seamless interface that allows effective image sharing. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and The College of Optometrists are now calling for the standardisation of digital imaging across eye care services.
As part of the College’s campaign to tackle current and future issues affecting ophthalmology services, the policy team is pleased to announce that we are jointly hosting a Parliamentary event to influence policymakers and drive eye care up the political agenda – and we’d love to get you involved.
On 22 September, the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Dr Therese Coffey, set out the Government’s plan to improve patient experience of the NHS in England, outlining a range of measures relating to backlogs, workforce challenges, and digitisation of the NHS. RCOphth Policy Advisor David Murray summarises the key implications for NHS ophthalmology services.
Members of the College are invited to submit nominations for Honorary Fellowships for 2023. The award of Honorary Fellow is the highest accolade that the College can bestow. It recognises those who have made a significant contribution to the field of ophthalmology.
We are truly saddened at the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
The government has announced that over 50 new surgical hubs will open across England to help alleviate Covid backlogs and offer quicker patient access to vital procedures. The new hubs will focus mainly on providing high-volume low, complexity surgery, including ophthalmology.
Applications for the Sight Research UK Translational Research Award open on the 1st September 2022. The purpose of the Translational Research Award is to accelerate the translation of scientific findings to the early stages of development of new therapies and diagnostics for sight-threatening conditions.
Following the national procurement for medical retinal vascular medicines, NHS England has published an operational note on Commissioning recommendations. This followed discussions with various stakeholders, including members of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
