News & Views

As we enter into 2021, there is some light of optimism and hope at the end of what has been for many a long dark tunnel.

Following today's briefing by Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) has issued a statement.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is responding to the NICE rapid guideline on COVID-19 testing and the potential adverse effect on the return to routine cataract surgery.

The College of Optometrists and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) have developed a joint vision for the two professions to continue to work together to support the delivery of safe and sustainable eye care services in England.

We continue to work in uncertain times and the threat of a ‘second wave’ of the pandemic remains a possibility. We also know that this is likely to be compounded by the winter pressures placed on the system. We all have to be vigilant, be prepared and support our services to the best of our capabilities.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is deeply concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic ophthalmology, research and innovation in ophthalmology and vision sciences.

Remote consultations have been given additional impetus by the COVID-19 emergency and are almost certainly one of the changes in practice that is here to stay. The advantages for the patient in terms of access are obvious, and video meeting platforms are now part of our daily lives.

The NHS has one of the most ethnically diverse workforces in the public sector. However, ethnic minority staff report worse experiences in terms of their lives and careers, when compared with white staff; people from an ethnic minority background are also under-represented in senior positions in the NHS.

The NHSE/I and the Academy recognise the opportunity for doctors who have joined the GMC emergency registration (having recently relinquished registration) to provide further support to the health service.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Bernie Chang to the office of President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.