As the voice of the profession, we work closely with our members, partners across the eye care sector and policymakers to improve public policy so key challenges facing ophthalmology services across the UK are recognised and addressed.
Since our last roundup, we:
- Wrote an open letter to the Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP, calling for a review into the use and oversight of independent sector providers in NHS-funded cataract surgery. This followed a recent Sunday Times investigation that outlined concerns about patient safety and value for money. The Minister has invited the College to meet to discuss our concerns.
- Published the first two in a series of case studies that showcase examples of good practice from NHS ophthalmology units as part of our strategic aim to support actions that enable eye care services to be more integrated and efficient. ‘Transforming eye care delivery in Devon’ outlines how three innovative new pathways were implemented to vastly reduce waiting lists for cataract, glaucoma and medical retina patients as part of the One Devon Elective Pilot. ‘Reimagining macular referrals in Bristol’ highlights Bristol Eye Hospital retinal team’s Enhanced Image Referral Service. The case studies were featured in the President’s session that launched Congress 2025.
- Were cited by Peter Prinsley MP in a Westminster debate on eye care and the forthcoming 10-year health plan. Prinsley, who has worked as an NHS ear nose and throat surgeon, raised the College’s concerns about the challenges to comprehensive NHS services arising from rapidly raising independent sector provision of NHS cataract surgery. The Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP, responded that the government is mindful of overpriced or sub-par care as well as any distortion to patient choice.
- Urged NHS trusts and health boards to support doctors to undertake national and regional roles that contribute to the wider health system, which includes vital royal college activity. The joint letter was signed by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the GMC, NHS England’s National Medical Director and Chief Medical Officers for all four UK nations.