Over the past few months we have had coverage across a range of media, with members giving quotes and comments to regional and national publications. Thanks to those who contributed their expertise, helping us to raise awareness about critical eye health issues and advocate for positive patient outcomes.
College guidance is referenced in Which’s feature, Laser eye surgery: expert advice and what you need to know now. Professor Bruce Allan, consultant ophthalmic surgeon, is also quoted.
Laser eye surgery: costs compared and how to choose – Which?
Consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Vickie Lee was quoted in an article on CNN Style about a social media fashion for men to cut off their eyelashes. She advised that that “Eyelashes are vital for both visual experience and eye health,” and suggested that there are many reasons why removing them is a bad idea.
Why men are shaving off their eyelashes | CNN
Our online guidance and resources are referenced in this advice for community pharmacists on supporting eye health, which was published in Pharmacy magazine in August.
Take a closer look at eye care
Digital Health covered our call for the national standardisation of electronic health records (EHRs) in eye care. The news story includes a quote from College president Professor Ben Burton.
Royal College of Ophthalmologists calls for standardised EHRs
During the women’s world cup this summer, media outlets reported that goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was born with strabismus and impaired depth perception, and was advised as a child that she wouldn’t be able to play football. Following the England team’s success, and Hampton’s penalty-saving achievements, The Guardian provided some insight into her diagnosis. Professor Jugnoo Rahi, an ophthalmic epidemiologist in London, is quoted.
England women’s Euro 2025 penalty hero Hannah Hampton defies eye condition with study and strategy | Science | The Guardian
The Banbury Guardian reported consultant ophthalmologist Stella Hornby’s contribution to Oxfordshire Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where she called for an urgent review of “profit-seeking company involvement” in NHS-funded eye care procedures and asked the committee to support the College’s concerns. She claims that the huge number of cataract procedures being done in NHS-funded clinics in Oxfordshire are taking activity from Oxford Eye Hospital. And with the subsequent loss of income and training opportunities, the unit is becoming unviable.
‘You’ll miss us when we’re gone’. Oxfordshire’s eye hospital at risk because of uncontrolled private operations
Rupert Bourne was quoted in The Guardian talking about the findings from the UK National Eye Health and Hearing Study, a major national public health initiative that the College is supporting.
Millions of over-50s have undiagnosed sight and hearing problems, UK study suggests | Health | The Guardian
Optician reported on our Honorary Fellowship awards, featuring details of the 2025 recipients.
Optician Online – RCOphth awards Honorary Fellowships
There was extensive national media coverage, including on the BBC News, of a trial of eye implants, which featured consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mahi Muqit. A group of five blind people took part in the trial at Moorfields, which has resulted in them having some ‘meaningful vision’ following the implant of a tiny microchip under the retina. The technology offers hope to people with geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration.