Embarking on a career in ophthalmology is both exhilarating and challenging. Moving through the various stages of training, from foundation years to specialty training, brings a steep learning curve and intense demands, often necessitating significant adaptations in both professional and personal life.
Reflecting on my journey so far, I hope to offer some insights and reflections for trainees navigating the early years of their ophthalmology training. I’ll discuss some of the hurdles I’ve faced, from the academic and clinical workload to personal adjustments, and share the lessons that have helped me come out stronger, more adaptable and prepared for what lies ahead.
Learning curve
One of the most striking aspects of beginning specialty training is the sheer volume of new knowledge and skills one needs to acquire quickly. Unlike many medical specialties, ophthalmology requires immediate competence in a wide array of skills – from clinical knowledge and decision-making to mastering surgical techniques, laser procedures and administering intravitreal injections. Each of these domains presents its own set of challenges and balancing them can initially feel overwhelming.
In my first year of specialty training, I struggled to keep up with the demands of exams, maintaining clinical knowledge, managing audits, delivering presentations and staying involved in research. It was, in all honesty, exhausting. I learned that success in ophthalmology involves more than technical competence; it demands mental resilience, adaptability and excellent time management. The challenge lies not only in doing each task well but in learning to balance these responsibilities and develop a routine that allows for steady progress without burnout.
Advice: Set realistic goals and prioritise tasks. Early on, it’s easy to feel pressured into excelling in every area at once, but in reality, ophthalmology is a long journey. Rather than spreading yourself too thin, focus on developing foundational skills and building gradually. Having clear, achievable goals for each rotation can also make the workload feel more manageable and progress more measurable.
Adaptability
Another significant adjustment in ophthalmology training is the need to relocate frequently, typically every six months. Moving to a new hospital can be disorienting, both professionally and socially. My first placement was in Hereford, a more isolated area with only one other trainee. This initially felt lonely and isolating. After moving to Dudley and later to the Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre, where there were many more trainees, I found myself thriving socially and professionally. The camaraderie and support network at these larger institutions made a substantial difference in my experience and I found it easier to adapt and grow.
Over time, I began to appreciate the unique opportunity that each new placement presented. Moving frequently exposed me to varied practices, different patient demographics and a range of supervisory styles. While challenging, these transitions forced me to develop adaptability, resilience and interpersonal skills that I know will serve me well as a consultant.
Advice: Be open to the opportunities each new placement offers, even if it doesn’t seem ideal at first. Use each move to learn from new colleagues, experiment with different approaches to patient care and build connections. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other trainees, whether in person or through online forums. Having a network of peers to share experiences with is invaluable and can make each transition smoother.
Fatigue
One aspect of ophthalmology that caught me by surprise was the mental fatigue associated with constant high-stakes decision-making. Unlike many other rotations where physical exhaustion might be the main concern, ophthalmology often involves intense mental strain. In clinics, surgical settings or emergencies, the consequences of each decision can significantly impact a patient’s vision and quality of life.
This ‘decision fatigue’ took some adjustment. Each day, I faced complex cases requiring careful consideration and quick judgment. Early on, I often found myself drained after a clinic or operating session. Yet, over time, I realised that this mental fatigue was a sign of my growth as a clinician – learning to think critically, make informed choices and take responsibility for outcomes is a critical part of becoming a competent ophthalmologist.
Advice: Recognise that mental fatigue is normal and reflects the depth of your learning and responsibility. Take time to reflect on challenging cases and seek feedback from mentors. Building in short breaks, mindfulness or journaling about difficult cases can help reduce fatigue and improve your resilience over time.
Thriving amid intensity
Despite the demanding nature of training, I have come to appreciate the immense personal growth that comes with it. Each year brings greater responsibility, and with that responsibility comes increased confidence. The feeling of performing a successful laser procedure, completing a challenging surgery or confidently making a clinical decision that positively impacts a patient’s life is incredibly rewarding.
I have learned to be proactive in my career, seeking out experiences and responsibilities that stretch my skills and knowledge. Initially, it was easy to let the demands of training dictate my path, but with time, I realised the importance of taking an active role in shaping my learning. Pursuing specific interests, such as research and advanced surgical skills, has kept me motivated and helped me stay focused on my long-term goals.
Advice: Take charge of your training. While following the curriculum is essential, identifying and actively seeking out areas that align with your career interests can keep you motivated and passionate. Developing a growth mindset – seeing challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles – can transform how you approach each stage of your training.
Taking pride in progress
Reflecting on my journey so far, I’m grateful for the support and guidance of colleagues and mentors who have been instrumental in my progress. The ophthalmology community is filled with experienced clinicians who are often eager to share their insights and advice, and seeking their mentorship has been invaluable.
Moreover, I’ve learned to celebrate small victories along the way. The road to becoming a consultant ophthalmologist sometimes feels overwhelming, but recognising each milestone – whether it’s passing an exam, mastering a procedure or feeling confident in clinic – has kept me motivated and hopeful about the future.
Advice: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, peers and consultants for support and guidance. Remember to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Progress in ophthalmology may feel gradual, but every step counts and contributes to the clinician you are becoming.
Conclusion
The journey through ophthalmology training is filled with challenges, yet it offers some of the most rewarding moments in medicine. While the early years may feel intense, remember to embrace the learning curve, develop adaptability and build resilience.
Each experience, whether challenging or rewarding, is just another stepping stone to a fulfilling career in ophthalmology.
