All Ophthalmologist’s or Eye Doctors in the UK are overseen by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the only professional membership body for medically qualified ophthalmologists and those who are training to become one too.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists champions excellence in the practice of ophthalmology for the benefit of patients and the public, supporting the improvements of eye care within the health care system.

The College was originally formed from the Ophthalmological Society of the United Kingdom and the Faculty of Ophthalmologists. The College received its Royal Charter on 1 April 1988 and was granted with a Royal Licence 5 years later.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Ophthalmologist Mike Burdon who was President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists from 2017 to 2020 to reflect on his time as President which included the lead up to the start of all the Covid 19 lockdowns.  

Mike also shared with Toby what had been the highlights for him during his time as President of the college, his praise of the work that Eye Care Liaison Officers (formally known as Eye Clinic Liaison Officers) provide to patients when they are in clinic and beyond.  

Mike ended by talking about some of the work that he and the College have been doing to forge closer connections between the College and Ophthalmologists in Africa.

To find out more about The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, information around Ophthalmology and the work the college does to champion high quality eye care for patients do visit the College’s website - https://www.rcophth.ac.uk

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