Ophthalmology is a rapidly evolving, far-reaching specialty. We look after the eyes and vision of people of all ages throughout the whole of society. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed operation in the NHS, and newer treatments for macular degeneration, glaucoma, childhood retinal disorders many other diagnoses have a large impact on visual disability in society, improving quality of life, and social and financial independence. Ophthalmology offers a career where helping both adults and children, medically, surgically and holistically, can be part of everyday practice, where there are great research opportunities, and where there is a lot of interaction with colleagues in a wide range of other specialties.
Southwest Training programmes
The Southwest has two training programmes – North and South Ophthalmology training programmes both operating independently of each other but providing excellent teaching and training. The training in both programmes is comprehensive and of a very high standard, supported by the latest technologies to deliver excellent results showing that the Southwest is the best place to train.
The training programmes are for 7 years from ST1 to ST7. For those appointed to the South programme will be expected to rotate between the centres:
- Torbay and South Devon Healthcare at Torbay Hospital.
- Royal Devon University Healthcare at West of England Eye Unit, Exeter
- University Hospitals Plymouth at The Royal Eye Infirmary
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton
- Royal Devon University Healthcare at North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple
- Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust at Truro
Those appointed to the North programme will be expected to rotate between the centres
- Gloucester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at the Gloucestershire Eye Unit at Cheltenham General Hospital,
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust at the Bristol Eye Hospital,
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust at the Royal United Hospitals – Bath and the
- Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Swindon.
Curriculum management
During the course of your training you will be supported through the Royal College of Ophthalmology’s New Curriculum 2024. The training is enhanced by a program of weekly local teaching, and monthly regional teaching.
All units are equipped with simulation facilities, with both Torbay and North Devon Hospitals also having up to date EyeSi cataract simulators. Torbay Hospital also has the EyeSi Vitreo Retinal surgical simulator, and the Indirect Ophthalmoscopy Simulator.
We have an active programme of quality management, and a hands-on approach to dealing with training concerns.
Further information is available here.
Curriculum 2024 | The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (rcophth.ac.uk)
Regional Training
There will be all day teaching for all Ophthalmology trainees in the region once a month:
- This will usually be the 3rd Friday of each month with the exception of July, August and December.
- Attendance is compulsory for all Ophthalmology trainees, unless they happen to be on Annual/Study leave or on-call at base hospital.
- The programme is to be based on Subspecialty themes.
- Ophthalmology trainees will need to put in half day study leaves for the sessions if they have programmed clinical commitments at base hospital. The afternoon session will replace the local teaching programme on these regional teaching days.
- There will be a summer break for the months of July/August, and a break for Christmas for December.
All trainees are encouraged to complete feedback forms to evaluate the day.
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