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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...

High-stakes scenarios in retinal vein occlusion: A survey of medico-legal implications

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy, and its clinical complexity often intersects with medico-legal scrutiny [1]. Missteps in timely diagnosis, inadequate follow-up or poor documentation can lead to patient harm...

My neuro-ophthalmology elective: Weill Cornell Medicine

First and foremost, it’s important to evaluate the reasons for pursuing a clinical elective in the US. Personally, I had been set on completing my specialty training (residency) in the US since my third year of medical school, and an...

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...

Seeing things from down under: Reflecting on an ophthalmology elective in New Zealand

During March 2025, I undertook a four-week elective in ophthalmology at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand. Having had minimal exposure to ophthalmology within my time at university, I was excited to be further immersed in it whilst also having the opportunity...