In recent months, the College and members have featured in national, regional and trade news media, on television, on the radio and in print. Here’s a summary of some of the latest coverage. Thanks to everyone who contributed time and expertise, helping us to raise awareness about critical eye health issues and advocate for positive patient outcomes.
BBC Wales reported on the publication of the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee’s report of its inquiry into ophthalmology services in Wales. We contributed to the inquiry and are pleased to note the committee’s recommendations to policymakers that could help tackle challenges around workforce, estates and IT infrastructure. Our Llywyd Rhianon Reynolds was interviewed as part of the BBC coverage.
Our Council regional representative for Oxford, Shreya Halda, was interviewed by BBC Radio Oxford in December, as part of their coverage of a campaign to keep the NHS public in Oxfordshire. The Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care asking for a national review of independent service providers in NHS ophthalmology.
Mike Burdon spoke to The Sun about the potential risks of ophthalmic complications for people taking GLP-1 medicines. His advice was included in a feature about the singer Robbie Williams, who has claimed that he is losing his eye sight as a result of weightloss injections.
HSJ has included College comments in some recent news. This includes coverage of the NHS Payment Scheme consultation and a story about Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board pausing a decision to suspend referrals – including for cataract procedures – to independent sector providers.
BBC News reported on the NHS online hospital service planned for England, which will include treatment for glaucoma, conditions affecting the retina including age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. Their story includes a quote from Moorfields consultant Peter Thomas.