Trainees
Behind the curtain: What trainees wish they knew before starting in ophthalmology
As a foundation year doctor, I didn’t expect ophthalmology to feature much in acute medicine or surgery. Yet it kept appearing at the periphery – and when it did, it was often complex and unexpectedly urgent. A confused older patient...
Ophthalmology elective: A reflection from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
I was fortunate enough to undertake an eight-week ophthalmology elective at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania. It was an unforgettable two months, filled with once-in-a-life-time experiences and also the opportunity to gain invaluable clinical knowledge. KCMC...
My message to future ophthalmology teaching fellows: Organising an effective ophthalmology placement
Globally, teaching ophthalmology during the undergraduate period presents challenges. The time allocated for it is minimal with substandard exposure [1,2]. Additionally, the number of universities mandating formal ophthalmology education has significantly declined [3]. Research supports the observation that doctors in...
Record rise in competition ratios for ophthalmology: What does this mean for the future of the ophthalmology training programme?
In this article, Adina Smith discusses factors likely to contribute to the record rise in competition ratios and the impact this may have on the future of OST. Ophthalmology specialty training (OST) is the fifth most competitive training programme in...
The visual field of empathy: What ophthalmology taught me about seeing the patient
It was a busy shift on the ward. Amongst the chest pains and fevers was an older woman referred for confusion. She was quiet, polite, and compliant – the kind of patient who doesn’t raise alarms. As we spoke, I...
My ophthalmology elective: Reflections from Singapore
Why do an ophthalmology elective? An elective in ophthalmology can offer a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the highly competitive specialty beyond the confines of the medical school curriculum, while experiencing a healthcare system in a new cultural setting....
Making the most of your foundation year rotation in ophthalmology
Ophthalmology continues to be a highly desirable speciality in the UK; however, medical students usually encounter only minimal exposure, generally ranging from one to two weeks, during their studies [1]. Nevertheless, eye-related conditions represent a considerable share of presentations in...
An ophthalmology elective in the South Pacific
For the four weeks of September 2024, I was lucky enough to embark on an ophthalmology elective in the Kingdom of Tonga, a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. The Tongan people are incredibly friendly and upbeat, and...
Ophthalmology elective in China
Wandering through the bustling streets of Zhejiang, China, immersed in the harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, I made my way to the Eye Centre of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine. The aroma of traditional Chinese...
A guide to utilising your time efficiently to develop clinical and procedural skills as an aspiring ophthalmologist
Ophthalmology often receives limited coverage in the undergraduate medical curriculum, and the availability of foundation programme jobs in this field is also restricted, reducing exposure to this field for aspiring ophthalmologists. Even if you’re not planning to specialise in ophthalmology,...
A week in the world of ophthalmology: A reflective journey at New Cross Hospital
Embarking on a taster week in ophthalmology at New Cross Hospital was a decision fuelled by the desire to delve into the intricacies of this unique specialty, which blends surgical and medical traits. For foundation doctors, a taster week is...
Ophthalmology in the Middle East: Reflections from two electives in Jordan and the UAE
In the summer of 2021, I was fortunate enough to embark on two electives in ophthalmology at the Shami Eye Centre in Amman, Jordan, and Moorfields Eye Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). These eye hospitals serve distinct populations,...
