Medical Ophthalmology

The specialty training programme for medical ophthalmology is overseen by the Royal College of Physicians. Medical ophthalmologists are required to undertake core medical training and pass the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians following which they compete for selection for a training programme in medical ophthalmology.

Ophthalmic physicians usually work alongside ophthalmologists but maintain close working links with other medical specialties. The range of the work they undertake varies depending on the size of the unit in which they work and the sub-specialty interests of the colleagues with whom they work.

Ophthalmic physicians may carry responsibility for the management of patients with uveitis, systemic vasculitides, ophthalmic manifestations of endocrine disorders (eg diabetic retinopathy and thyroid eye disease), age-related maculopathy and neuro-ophthalmic disease. Their wider training in general medicine and the medical specialties equips them to take a direct role in the management of the underlying condition as well as its ophthalmic manifestations.