Academic ophthalmology

We support academic ophthalmology because research and visual science are central to innovation in eye care. We also support ophthalmologists to engage with research at every stage of their career, from early interest at medical school to senior academic leadership. This reflects our wider role to educate, support and champion the profession. 

Who is this path for?  

Academic ophthalmology may suit you if you want to:  

• build research into your clinical career  
• contribute to discovery science, translational research or clinical studies  
• develop skills in critical thinking, teaching and evidence-based practice  
• keep a long-term route open into university, NHS or joint clinical academic roles  

You do not need to commit to a fully academic career from the outset. The route into research can be flexible, and many ophthalmologists move in and out of academic training at different stages.  

Why choose academic ophthalmology ?

An academic career can be challenging, but it can also be highly rewarding. It can help you:  

• improve care through research and innovation  
• gain experience that strengthens your clinical practice  
• build teaching, leadership and presentation skills  
• contribute to the evidence base for ophthalmology and visual science  
• open up future opportunities in research, education and clinical leadership  

How the pathway works  

This pathway usually involves combining clinical training with dedicated academic time. The aim is often to become a clinical academic working in the NHS, a university, or both.   You can start building research experience early through:  

• medical school research electives  
• student selected modules  
• intercalated degrees  
• MB/PhD programmes  
• audit, quality improvement or local research projects  

The Specialised Foundation Programme can also give newly qualified doctors time in academia.   

Academic training  

Various programmes exist in the UK to supports doctors to develop clinical academic careers by combining clinical training with research. They  offer a flexible route that integrates academic development with key stages of training.  Requirements and opportunities may vary by nation and by university partnership.  

Typical stages include:  

• Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF ) Usually entered at specialty training year 1 to 3 level, these posts allow trainees to spend part of their time developing research or educational skills and preparing for a doctoral fellowship application. 
• PhD or equivalent higher degree  Trainees usually go out of programme for research to complete a PhD or similar qualification, often with funding from major national funders or universities.   
• Academic Clinical Lectureship (ACL)  These posts allow trainees to continue research after a PhD while completing clinical training.  
• Clinician scientist or intermediate fellowship  These fellowships support the transition to research independence, including leading projects and building a research team. 

Support research at every stage of your career  

You do not need to be on a formal academic pathway to be involved in research. Many ophthalmologists contribute through:  

• recruiting patients to studies  
• supporting research delivery in clinical practice  
• collaborating with local or national projects  
• undertaking higher degrees later in training  
• contributing to education, audit and service evaluation that leads to research activity  

We also recognise the importance of inclusive research and wider participation, including encouraging diverse patient and public involvement.  

How we support academic ophthalmologists  

We are committed to supporting academic ophthalmology across the career pathway.  

We support this area by:  

• championing the value of research in ophthalmology  
• promoting research opportunities and engagement  
• supporting work that strengthens academic career development  
• signposting guidance, networks and resources for trainees and researchers