RCOphth Annual Congress 2017

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (originally known as the ‘Ophthalmological Society of the United Kingdom) was formed in 1880 by Sir William Bowman and is the voice of the profession. Every year a scientific meeting has been held bar some exceptions during the Second World War. The College has various roles including setting the curriculum and examinations for trainee ophthalmologists, providing training and maintaining standards in ophthalmology as well as promoting research and development.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is an independent charity and works closely with government health departments, organisations and eye health professionals to form patient care policies and further advances in this area. With over 4,000 members the work of the College extends to education and training, promoting standards, research and of course seminars and the annual scientific Congress.

David Gartry is an examiner for the College and also developed the Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery. It was with great pleasure that he attended the 2017 Congress in Liverpool this month where he witnessed first hand new developments, keynote lectures and met with colleagues. The president’s symposium was chaired by Professor Caroline MacEwen (President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists). Key guests included Professor Sir Peng Khaw, Professor of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology; Dr Neil Miller, Professor of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, USA and Professor Rachel Williams, Professor of Ophthalmic Bioengineering, University of Liverpool.