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A missed opportunity

Back in 2000 Sir Liam Donaldson wrote a piece of work commissioned by the then Secretary of State for Health entitled “An Organisation with a Memory”. We are now 18 years on and still some of the recommendations from them...

The results of the last survey Feb 2020

I appreciate that I keep on reiterating it, but again we see so much practice variance. Who is right and who is wrong? Is there a right or wrong approach? And does it matter? I think it probably does matter....

The results of the last survey Dec23

*Please be aware that this data does not form part of a peer reviewed research study. The information therein should not be relied upon for clinical purposes but instead used as a guide for clinical practice and reflection. Hopefully by...

The results of the last survey Feb24

Thank you to all those who participated in this edition’s survey and for those of you who attended my recent Medico-legal Seminar at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. It was a fascinating and educational day, made a success by the...

The results of the last survey Jun24

When I was in my training and even in my early years as a consultant, I did not fully understand the difference between different lenses. When asked my preference of hydrophilic versus hydrophobic intraocular lenses (IOLs) I really did not...

Diabetic Macular Oedema

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects the metabolism of all three categories of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. This condition is characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia [1]. This can cause end organ damage. The estimated worldwide diabetes prevalence for 2010...

Digital eyecare – enabling better communication between primary and secondary care

Alexander Chiu and his co-authors highlight innovations influencing healthcare advancement and how trainees can get involved. Hospital eye services (HES) were under great pressure to meet demand, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. This pressure has increased with the cancellation and...

The 2021-2022 ophthalmology ST1 application process

Harry Rosen updates us on what is involved in the current UK Ophthalmology Specialist Training (OST) programme application process. The process of applying to the UK Ophthalmology Specialist Training (OST) programme is constantly changing each year, adapting to the needs...

The value of hospital placements in ophthalmology in general practice specialty training

Pratik Bikkannavar provides insights into the potential benefits a placement in ophthalmology provides General Practice Specialty Trainees (GPSTs) and its valuable purpose for the wider ophthalmic community. Ophthalmic complaints are known to account for up to 1 in every 20...

How to write and publish a case report – tips and common pitfalls

Ophthalmology is an extremely popular specialty, with the competition ratio at ST1 level entry being 10:1 in 2023 [1]. Consequently, applicants are required to achieve higher portfolio scores to remain competitive. For those considering a career in ophthalmology, two points...

An interview with Professor John Forrester

What made you choose ophthalmology as a career and how did your interest in academia develop? During Medical School at Glasgow University, I was getting progressively disillusioned with the career options while my colleagues and friends all seemed to quickly...

Ophthalmology elective in China

Wandering through the bustling streets of Zhejiang, China, immersed in the harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, I made my way to the Eye Centre of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine. The aroma of traditional Chinese...