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How to pass the FRCOphth Part 1 as a foundation trainee: some practical tips

Attempting the FRCOphth Part 1 examination as a foundation trainee requires significant time and financial commitment. Unlike the MRCP and MRCS examinations, the curriculum of this exam does not overlap with the undergraduate syllabus. As such, it is a steep...

Preparing for modern ophthalmic surgical training as a trainee

As a trainee in ophthalmology, every day you are learning more and more about the specialty. In addition, you will most likely be exploring the vast array of subspecialties that ophthalmology has to offer, and would probably be trying to...

The last three patients: general practice (Patient One)

Professor Jonathan Rees is an Emeritus Professor of Dermatology at the University of Edinburgh (2020). He held the Grant Chair of Dermatology in Edinburgh from 2000 to 2020, and before that the Chair of Dermatology in Newcastle from 1992 to...

My top five ways in which LinkedIn can be useful for ophthalmologists

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional social networking site, that allows over 830 million users from over 200 countries from a variety of industries to connect. As a result, it is a powerful tool used by professionals to network, collaborate,...

Getting the Duke Elder examination right: reflections and tips from a medical student

The Duke Elder undergraduate prize examination is an annual exam organised by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom. Named after Sir Stewart Duke Elder, a prominent British ophthalmologist, the exam is designed to encourage undergraduate medical students...

Navigating the retina: the nitty-gritty of slit-lamp fundus examination

The slit-lamp fundus examination can be a difficult and disorientating task for beginners due to the retina being viewed in a non-anatomical orientation, the small area of retina illuminated, and the counterintuitive technique of the examination. This article provides a...

Work experience in ophthalmology as an A-Level student

Importance of work experience Medical schools expect applicants to understand what a career in medicine involves, which can be gained through work experience and volunteering. It is strongly recommended by the Medical Schools Council that work experience involves working in...

My top five: Innovative approaches to dry AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the developing world with its prevalence rising alongside age. In societies characterised by ageing populations, it is imperative we explore more effective treatment to alleviate the...

100 years since Sir William Duke-Elder graduated from the University of St Andrews

With sincere thanks to Andrew King, Ophthalmic Optician and owner of Andrew King Opticians near Glasgow, for his extensive research into Duke-Elder’s life.' Sir William Stewart Duke-Elder. Photo credit: Edward Irvine Halliday, Institute of Ophthalmology. In the world of ophthalmology,...

My Top Five: Ophthalmology learning tools for doctors

Starting a career in ophthalmology can be both exciting and demanding. Despite its captivating and broad nature, ophthalmology often proves challenging for beginners around the globe due to limited exposure during medical school [1–5]. Fortunately, plenty of resources are available,...

Building a resonant personal brand: A 10-step guided path for ophthalmologists

Here are 10 actionable steps to carve out a meaningful personal brand. 1. Uncover your core values Delve into the ethos and values that define you as a professional. What sets you apart in the ophthalmic arena? These will be...

My Top Five: Promising gene therapies for ocular conditions

Gene therapy, a pivotal advancement in modern medicine, particularly shines in ophthalmology. By targeting defective genes with engineered vectors, this approach promises significant strides in treating inherited retinal diseases. This article reviews the top five gene therapies in late-stage trials,...