Patient Information Booklets

View and download information booklets on publications, produced jointly by Royal National Institute of Blind People and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

These booklets are for information purposes only and should not replace advice given by health professionals.

Support groups and charities working in the ocular sector

We have provided links to support groups and charities working in the ocular sector but the College cannot give medical advice to individual patients.

Support groups and charities

Finding a consultant ophthalmologist

We cannot recommend ophthalmologists or organisations that provide an eye care service.  Members of RCOpth Council and most of our committee members are ophthalmologists and they work in a voluntary capacity. However, you can search for consultants in your local area using our consultant search.

Consultant Search

 

 

 

Information Booklets

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of part of your eye called the lens. Your vision becomes blurred because the cataract is like frosted glass, interfering with your sight.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS)

CBS causes people who have lost a lot of sight to see things that aren’t there. Medically, this is known as having hallucinations.

Congenital Cataracts

A cataract can make your vision blurry or misty, like trying to look through frosted glass. Some babies are born with or develop cataracts at a very early age.

Diabetes

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a condition where your body is not able to use glucose properly, causing the glucose levels in your blood to become too high.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is an eye condition caused by a problem with tears. Dry eye can make your eye feel uncomfortable, red, scratchy and irritated. Despite the name, having dry eye can also make your eyes watery.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged at the point at which it leaves the eye.

Nystagmus

Nystagmus is an involuntary movement of the eyes – usually from side to side, but sometimes the eyes oscillate up and down or even in a circular motion.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

PVD is a condition where your vitreous comes away from the retina at the back of your eye. This detachment is caused by changes in your vitreous gel.

Retinal Detachments

Retinal detachments often develop in eyes with retinas weakened by a hole or tear. This allows fluid to seep underneath, weakening the attachment so that the retina becomes detached.

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)

RP is the name given to a group of hereditary eye disorders which affect the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye, in which the first stages of seeing take place.