Trainees
Vitreomacular traction: natural course vs. vitrectomy vs. ocriplasmin
Over time, the vitreous gel completely separates from the retina in a process known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). In some instances, however, the vitreous does not detach entirely and remains adherent to the macula. The term vitreomacular traction...
Cataract surgery training in the independent sector
I am now most of the way through my ST3 year working in Plymouth, within the Peninsula Deanery. Before the start of the year, I was approached by one of my consultants who asked if I would like to carry...
Is it NAION… Now what?
Case presentation We present the case and discussion of a 46-year-old Caucasian male who complained of immediate reduced vision following complicated neck dissection including a total laryngopharyngectomy, free flap reconstruction for a T4N3 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the left...
The value of hospital placements in ophthalmology in general practice specialty training
Pratik Bikkannavar provides insights into the potential benefits a placement in ophthalmology provides General Practice Specialty Trainees (GPSTs) and its valuable purpose for the wider ophthalmic community. Ophthalmic complaints are known to account for up to 1 in every 20...
Cornea teaching techniques: one cornea donor tissue for two purposes
There is a national shortage in the UK in corneal graft material [1,2]. The majority (69%) of corneal transplants in the UK are partial thickness, with 35% being Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) [2]. During the preparation of the donor...
An anterior segment lump: a diagnostic and treatment challenge
Case presentation A 50-year-old female presented to eye casualty with a lump on the left medial lower eyelid with associated redness and occasional bleeding. The lump was present for a few months with recent enlargement (Figure 1). Her past medical...
Broadening horizons in ophthalmology: crafting a varied elective experience
The elective period for medical students is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a field of interest. For students interested in ophthalmology, this can offer a dedicated experience for what can otherwise be quite limited through undergraduate rotations. Alongside...
Why Ophthalmology?
Ophthalmology is a medical specialty that deals with eye diseases and helps preserve vision. The ophthalmic community consists of a wide range of healthcare professionals who work together to address eye-related problems in many extraordinary ways. This article explores the...
Ophthalmology Specialty Training 2024: What's different?
The 2024 intake for ophthalmology specialty training (OST) has undergone several significant changes in its approach towards candidate selection and assessment. This article provides a comparative analysis, detailing these new measures and comparing them against the previous year's standards. Our...
How to maximise points for your ophthalmology portfolio as a medical student
Ophthalmology is an extremely popular and competitive career option, with one of the highest competition ratios at ST1 level entry (10:1 in 2023) [1]. It is also a highly rewarding speciality, involving: a mixture of medicine and surgery in a...
Attending ophthalmology conferences as a foundation trainee: an eye-opener?
The benefits of attending specialty conferences for clinicians are numerous. For example, staying up to date with the latest advancements in the field and integrating these into clinical practice. However, foundation doctors are yet to enter a training pathway and...
Burnout: ubiquitous and unavoidable?
Meriam Islam reminds us of the importance of ‘putting our oxygen mask on first’ and avoiding burnout while we progress through our careers. Burnout. It’s a term we hear a lot. What does it mean though? According to Merriam Webster,...
