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:
- Published the third in our series of case studies detailing examples of best practice from NHS ophthalmology units across the UK. Pioneering high-volume bilateral cataract surgery in Tayside demonstrates how a high-volume immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) model has reduced referral-to-listing times, enhanced patient experience and expanded training capacity. A related, engaging webinar with Ninewells Hospital’s John Ellis explored risk perceptions, rising uptake, patient satisfaction, and the vital role of nurses in delivering ISBCS success.
- Published a position statement on shifting ophthalmology-led care from hospital to community settings. We outline three proven models – diagnostic centres, enhanced optometry services and surgical hubs – to improve access, efficiency and sustainability, and call for strong governance, IT interoperability and workforce training. Crucially, we emphasise that hospital eye services remain essential for complex and emergency care.
- Responded to HM Treasury’s Autumn Budget 2025 stakeholder representation exercise, suggesting targeted tariff reform and stronger local financial controls to better allocate resources and safeguard the NHS workforce.
- Responded to the Scottish Government’s Future Medical Workforce call for evidence, highlighting the need to expand the ophthalmology workforce and improve early diagnosis to prevent avoidable sight loss. We emphasised how innovations such as high-volume cataract surgeries have improved patient experiences, and called for additional training posts, stronger support for SAS doctors, and investment in successful ophthalmology-led community-based care models, clinical research and digital technology.
- Welcomed the first phase of NHS England’s Medical Training Review, which highlights key ophthalmology training bottlenecks and commits to improved educator support. We particularly endorsed the recommendation for independent sector involvement in NHS-funded procedural training and acknowledged the recognition of the need for greater flexibility and clearer progression pathways for SAS and locally employed doctors.
- Were pleased to see our asks around the standardisation of electronic health records and a review of the use of independent sector providers for NHS cataract surgery picked up by several media outlets.