News & Views

Read the latest RCOphth news updates and guidance here.

News

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.

News

Mr. Terence Tarrant

It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Honorary Fellow Terence Tarrant, and the College offers its sincere condolences to Terence’s family, friends and colleagues. The funeral will take place on Wednesday 2 August, at Mortlake Crematorium, Kew Meadow Path, Richmond, Surrey, at 2:00pm. The Tarrant family requests no flowers, but encourages charitable donations to Moorfields Eye Charity in his memory. Terry spent many years at the Institute of Ophthalmology in Judd Street before continuing his work at the Holborn branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital, and continued to see patients throughout his retirement. His interest in optic imagery and his skilled artistry allowed him to embark on a career in ophthalmic medical illustration, becoming the key artist for many ophthalmologists throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Alongside his paintings of the fundus and external eye, Terry contributed to illustrations of instruments and surgical procedures to many text books on ophthalmology.

News

Guidance on diabetic eye screening, conversion rates for cataract surgery and glaucoma referral criteria published by AoMRC and NHS England

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. 

Woman looking through a microscope
News

Sight Research UK Seed Award - Open to Applications

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.

News

Abusive Head Trauma and the Eye – Membership Consultation

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists have, through a guideline development group (GDG) chaired by Mr Patrick Watts, produced a clinical guideline on Abusive Head Trauma and the Eye. A draft version of this guideline has now been released for consultation and the College would welcome any comments or observations on the content, format or recommendations.

News

Work to identify capacity challenges and explore solutions in paediatric ophthalmology enters next stage

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

News

RCOphth Congress 2024 - Congress session proposal

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.