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Resources for SAS Doctors

SAS ophthalmologists, including Associate Specialists, Staff Grades, Specialty Doctors, Clinical Assistants and non-training Trust Grades, make an enormous contribution to delivery of care in the NHS. Many doctors choose to become SAS doctors for the greater flexibility and better work life balance the role can offer.

The roles of SAS doctors vary and the SAS grade has changed through the years:

  • Some doctors have gained CESR and are now consultants
  • Others have chosen to stay as SAS doctors working under consultant supervision in the multidisciplinary team
  • Some, depending on experience, work autonomously in their departments
  • SAS doctors can perform intraocular surgery, laser treatments, work in subspecialist as well as general clinics
  • SAS doctors can perform appraisals, educational roles, research, be clinical audit or governance leads and, with relevant training, can become a clinical lead or director

The following documents describe the key roles that SAS doctors play in the NHS and provide useful information for career development:

In 2017, the RCOphth undertook its first national survey of SAS ophthalmologists, the results of which are published here. We wish to work actively with SAS doctors, their colleagues and external organisations to develop actions for improvement:

The Royal College is very keen to better support SAS doctors and being a College member (by examination or affiliate) offers benefits :

  • Registration for CPD and e-Portfolio which is very helpful to provide supporting evidence for appraisal; a College CPD certificate can be generated
  • Receipt of the EYE journal and College News
  • Access to standards of practice and guidelines
  • CPD access to the AAO and ONE network
  • Revalidation queries
  • Join the SAS committee and College subcommittees
  • Reduced fees to attend College Congress
  • Fees are tax deductable

Not all SAS doctors are members or fellows of the Royal College. It is possible to be an affiliate member and receive all the benefits of membership. Please visit membership pages for further information.