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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...

Getting started in ophthalmology: Advice for new doctors

Starting your first rotation in ophthalmology is exciting and a little daunting. As the start date approaches, the nerves may start to creep in. What’s expected of me? How much ophthalmology am I supposed to know? How will the on-calls...

Communication in ophthalmological surgery: Perspectives from an observer

"Please don’t move” is a common phrase I have heard whilst shadowing in theatres as the ophthalmologist contends with the eye of a patient looking around and tilting their head during surgery. As the average corneal diameter is approximately 12–12.5mm...

From Moorfields to Mombasa: The tale of two ophthalmology electives

Ophthalmology fascinates me because the field uniquely combines microsurgical precision with immediate, life-changing outcomes, spanning nine distinct subspecialties that seamlessly integrate medicine, surgery and cutting-edge technology. Put simply, few single organs can match the breadth and depth of pathology the...

Simulation in ophthalmology: a pedagogic viewpoint

The advent of simulation technology has enhanced modern medical training. The first utilisation of simulation was in 1929 where Edward Link used this concept to develop a mechanical flight simulator [1]. Industries such as aviation, nuclear power and the military...

How good does my vision have to be to drive this thing? Visual standards for various occupations

We can all picture that moment in clinic: you are about to tell someone that they’re no longer legally able to drive, ready to deploy our ‘breaking bad news’ techniques. For some patients this may have been expected, or they...