The NHS Improvement national patient safety team have informed the College of the continued trend of incidents involving issues with detachment of cannulas during ophthalmic surgery (cannula-associated ocular injury, COI). The cannula is usually attached to either a saline or a viscoelastic syringe. The combination of a small lumen and plunger pressure can result in significant hydraulic force. If the cannula does detach, it can cause extensive damage to the globe with resultant visual impairment.

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.

Successfully completing another year of data collection from across 70% of eligible NHS trusts in England and Wales, the third prospective NOD Audit report on cataract surgery during 2017 – 2018 is published today.

Access to cataract training in the independent sector has improved following collaborative work undertaken by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, with placements available in all regions where independent sector providers (ISPs) operate, other than London North. Despite this progress, more work is needed as trainees in nearly all regions report they need additional training opportunities […]

Since taking over as the Surgical Skills Faculty Lead in January, John Ferris, new Skills Faculty Lead and Fiona Spencer, Chair Training, have undertaken a pilot consultation process about the format of the Microsurgical Skills Course (MSS) with both trainers and trainees.