Search

Pituitary tumours: why are they so often missed?

Part 2: Clinical varieties, anatomical considerations and case report (see also Part 1 and Part 3) For ophthalmologists there are four types of pituitary tumour to be considered, three of which are named according to the hormone secreted, along with...

The International Council of Ophthalmology: what is it and is it useful for UK ophthalmologists?

ICO Director for Examinations and Assessments, Simon Keightley, explains the history and role of the organisation today, as well as outlining recent changes to the ICO examinations. The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) is the only international medical specialty organisation...

The ocular manifestations of COVID-19: an overview of current literature

Although respiratory symptoms are the most frequent manifestation of COVID-19, multi-organ involvement has been demonstrated, including ocular manifestations. The author investigates how the eye can be affected. The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant public...

The clues of the eye – what is medical ophthalmology?

The author looks at the increasingly significant role of medical ophthalmologists and the importance of integrative healthcare. The eye is a remarkable organ, and for decades we have been discovering intimations of pathology existing elsewhere in the body [1] simply...

My top five: Elective grants for an ophthalmology elective for a medical student surviving in a cost-of-living crisis

In a time where cost of living is significantly increasing, and the student NHS bursary is remaining stagnant, funding a medical elective is becoming increasingly more challenging for medical students. Surveys have shown that medical students typically get two to...

Enhancing ophthalmology training: Unleashing the power of simulation

Ethical and practical barriers hinder early surgical experience in ophthalmology training [1], which is problematic when early-career trainees bring a higher risk of poor surgical outcomes and patient harm [2]. The European working time directive and the surgical backlog secondary...

Ophthalmic exposure for emergency medicine doctors

Emergency medicine is a challenging specialty which requires managing a range of acute issues. In this article, I explore the experiences of emergency doctors towards ophthalmic cases presenting in the emergency department, identifying what initiatives have helped trainees. Emergency medicine...

How to get a trainee from 0 to 600 cataracts in two years: Perspectives from the trainee and the trainer

Trainee’s perspective I remember my first day as an ST1 at Moorfields Eye Hospital in Croydon. I was in theatre for a cataract list, and the challenges were numerous. From draping to hydrating the wound, it was all completely new...

Should points for simulated surgery be removed from the ophthalmology ST1 evidence folder?

The benefits of the Eyesi surgical simulator by Haag-Streit UK for early career ophthalmology speciality trainees are well-established, allowing for the practice of cataract and vitreoretinal surgery in a controlled, risk-free environment. Whilst the Eyesi is an invaluable resource for...

Assessing the effectiveness of undergraduate ophthalmic assessments in the UK: A literature review

During 2008–2009, 300,000 patients presented to hospital emergency departments in the UK with eye conditions. This rose by nearly 200,000 over the next decade. As the population ages, the prevalence of eye disease increases [1,2]. However, the stake ophthalmology holds...

Developing a unified approach to low-vision care

RNIB’s Preeti Singla and Louise Gow introduce the Adult Low Vision Service Quality Framework. For individuals living with visual impairment, access to high-quality low vision services can be life changing. Yet, across the UK, these services remain fragmented, with significant...

Addressing diabetes-related complications in Tanzania and Eswatini: A comprehensive approach to eye and foot screening

Diabetes is rising globally, particularly in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare systems are under resourced [1,2]. Among its complications, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic foot disease are preventable yet frequently overlooked [3-6]. These problems often develop together due...