News & Views

The prestigious Zakarian Awards, which promote the value of research for all, are now open for submissions. Jointly funded by the College and Fight for Sight/Vision Foundation these awards are for early-career ophthalmologists to gain experience and skills by undertaking ophthalmic and vision research, which could lead onto further research or funding opportunities. Three ophthalmologists will receive a grant of up to £25,000 to conduct research over a 12-month period.

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.

The RCOphth has received requests for advisers to sit on the following consultant advisory appointment committees. Members, with at least one year’s experience as a consultant, are able to support these requests. All interviews will be virtual unless the trust has called for an in-person interview.

The Vice President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is a pivotal role with a wide portfolio of responsibilities. As Vice President, you will work closely with the President to advocate for the RCOphth as a membership body, fulfilling its purpose in supporting the needs of members to make a sustainable difference to the profession and patient care.

This new scheme offers junior ophthalmology doctors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds the opportunity to effect positive change by being a mentor.

Members of the College are invited to submit nominations for Honorary Fellowships for 2022. The award of Honorary Fellow is the highest accolade that the College can bestow. It recognises those who have made a significant contribution to the field of ophthalmology.

We are seeking applications for ophthalmologist representatives from the RCOphth membership. As an Advisory Group member, you will support the Clinical Lead and Project manager in developing the national cataract audit. The National Ophthalmology Database Audit (NOD) is internationally renowned as an exemplar of high quality audit that produces results in positive outcomes for patients and the profession. The NOD Cataract audit aims to prospectively collect, collate and analyse a standardised, nationally agreed dataset from all centres providing cataract surgery in the United Kingdom.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Bernie Chang to the office of President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

Whilst we have shut our doors at Stephenson Way temporarily, the teams of College officers and staff are still working hard on behalf of members. Here’s some of the activities we are leading on.

For just the one time this year, the College News - April Edition has been produced as a PDF, rather than the normal printed magazine.