This year’s Royal College of Ophthalmologists Annual Congress in Liverpool brought together eyecare professionals from across the country and beyond for four days of thought-provoking content, collaborative discussion and exciting glimpses into the future of ophthalmology.
The opening day was dominated by a strong global and technological focus. In a standout session on diabetic retinopathy (DR), experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and global collaborators highlighted the challenges of delivering DR care in resource-limited settings. AI emerged as a promising tool in improving access to screening, although concerns around implementation persist.
Later, Professor Sobha Sivaprasad delivered the prestigious Bowman Lecture, offering a comprehensive look at current and emerging DR management strategies. Her insights spanned everything from predictive modelling to real-world therapy uptake, grounding innovation in rigorous evidence.
The UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium session also made waves, showcasing how large-scale data is helping to unravel the complex links between eye and systemic health. With eye-brain relationships and the emerging field of oculomics in the spotlight, it’s clear ophthalmology is playing a growing role in the wider health landscape.
Day two delved deeper into structural and functional insights, with neurodegeneration taking centre stage. Talks explored how visual testing and adaptive optics could support early detection of conditions like multiple sclerosis and dementia, reinforcing the eye’s role as a window into brain health.
Sessions on research engagement from NIHR, practical learning through challenging DGH-based cases, and an excellent panel on myopia led by Duke Elder Lecturer Professor Kyoko Ohno Matsui further enriched the programme. In particular, the ‘Make or Break Cases’ discussion stood out for its honesty around the real-world decision-making pressures clinicians face every day.
Elsewhere, the Eye Care Professionals Symposium offered excellent multidisciplinary content, ranging from handheld OCT in children to oculomics and imaging interpretation. The event's collaborative tone was echoed by the industry workshops supporting the learning agenda throughout the day.
Day three shifted towards service delivery, governance and the tech horizon. The morning sessions explored medico-legal risks, cataract service expansion, and new national safety frameworks – all increasingly relevant topics in today’s pressured NHS landscape.
A major highlight was the ‘Horizon Scanning’ session, which gave delegates a glimpse of the future with talks on surgical robotics, 3D visualisation, and AI-powered clinical interactions. Virtual reality’s potential in amblyopia management was another exciting takeaway, suggesting a future where tech is not just an add-on, but central to how we deliver care.
The ‘Wild West Eyecare’ session was a memorable reflection on innovation beyond tertiary centres, showcasing how clinicians in Wales are developing adaptable, patient-centred models of care using limited resources. The session made a strong case for the value of upskilling, multidisciplinary collaboration and local innovation.
While in Liverpool, we also managed to celebrate the future of the profession through the #AspireOphth competition, with moving submissions from Owais Tahhan and Hajar Tukur — two young ophthalmologists who reminded us of the passion and purpose driving the next generation.
With packed sessions, vibrant industry engagement, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect, RCOphth 2025 once again proved itself to be a cornerstone of the UK ophthalmology calendar. Whether you came for the science, the networking, or the ceilidh – it delivered.
As always, we released daily eNewsletters from the conference, which you can check outhere: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3.
by Joan Hanson
Attending the 25th RCOphth was truly an experience of a lifetime. I eagerly anticipated the programme, which attracted over 1400 delegates. Although this was my second congress, it marked my first time attending it face-to-face, and I was fortunate to participate on the final day despite work commitments.
Contrary to the common perception that the last day of an event tends to be less engaging, I found that the best was indeed saved for last. The day offered an enriching blend of medical education and valuable networking opportunities. The congress was meticulously planned. Participants received detailed programmes via email ahead of the congress, outlining schedules, speakers, and topics.
After confirming my details at the registration desk and receiving a name tag, I proceeded directly to my pre-registered session in paediatric ophthalmology. Unlike the preceding days, the final day featured concurrent sessions across multiple subspecialties including neuro-ophthalmology, paediatric ophthalmology, medical retina, and glaucoma. Each session was led by experienced international experts, offering deep insights into their respective fields.
Sessions began early and were staggered to prevent crowding during breaks. The day was filled with back-to-back lectures, lively discussions, and rapid-fire oral presentations available both virtually and in-person. I appreciated the flexibility to attend sessions outside my primary interest, allowing a broader understanding of the diverse subspecialties in ophthalmology. I found the neuro-ophthalmology session highly informative, particularly regarding the management of GCA, optic neuritis, and papilloedema. A key takeaway was the interpretation of disc OCT using the ‘3CsB’ framework: contour, cup, colour, and blood vessel structure.
The assembly area was a bustling hub featuring numerous pharmaceutical and medical instrument exhibitors. They provided updates on new products and innovations, often accompanied by unique amenities such as custom coffee stations, a thoughtful touch for attendees. Tea, coffee, snacks, and lunch were provided, though I felt the lunch options could be enhanced in future events.
Digital poster presentations from various subspecialties were also displayed, enabling on-demand access to a wealth of knowledge. Additionally, trainees had opportunities to engage in wet lab simulations using ophthalmic devices, with recognitions awarded to top performers which highlighted the congress’ commitment to practical education.
The Liverpool dockside location added a pleasant ambiance and comfortable climate to the event, contributing to an overall positive experience.
In summary, my attendance at the RCOphth Congress was both inspiring and educational. The knowledge gained will undoubtedly influence my ophthalmic practice. I encourage all ophthalmologists, trainees, specialty and non-training doctors, and medical students to participate in future congresses, as they truly offer something valuable for everyone.
With the 26th RCOphth Congress scheduled to be held in Manchester, I hope that many will be inspired to attend.
