The RCOphth represents the voice of the profession in all four nations and we also attract international members. By joining the RCOphth, you are contributing to and strengthening the work we do in developing policy and standards to safeguard patient care and a sustainable workforce. If you have an interest in overseas development, you can offer your skills to support developing countries with education and training opportunities.
Your involvement can benefit you personally too. Work with colleagues and staff across a wide range of experiences and knowledge, learn new management and leadership skills through many of the roles on offer and network with members across the UK and internationally.
We have over 4,000 members that include ophthalmologists in training, consultants, SAS doctors and other professions such as optometrists.
Find out more about the different types of membership that you can apply for.
Apply for Membership
There are a number of ways to apply for Membership of the RCOpth. See the categories below.
Applicants applying for Fellowship by Election must:
UK NHS Applicants
Be in a substantive NHS consultant post in ophthalmology for five years or more
UK Non-NHS Applicants
Be in a substantive consultant in ophthalmology in a Non-NHS UK healthcare provider for six years or more.
Overseas Applicants
Be a substantive consultant in ophthalmology in a healthcare provider for six years or more.
Applicants applying for Membership by Election must:
UK NHS Applicants
Be a newly appointed substantive NHS consultant in ophthalmology or a SAS doctor in ophthalmology in a substantive NHS post for five years.
UK Non-NHS Applicants
Be a substantive consultant in a Non-NHS UK Healthcare provider for three years.
Overseas Applicants
Be a substantive consultant in ophthalmology in a healthcare provider for three years.
Applications are welcomed from Consultants, SAS ophthalmologists, including Associate Specialists, Staff Grades, Specialty Doctors, Clinical Assistants and non-training Trust Grades
Applications are also welcomed from those who hold a higher qualification and are engaged in ophthalmic research but are not medically qualified.
Trainee membership is opened only to those who have been through a recruitment process and appointed to an Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) post within the UK – whether run-through or Locum Appointment for Training (LAT).
