Ophthalmology

Introduction
Ophthalmology is the management of conditions of the eye, its surrounding structures and the visual pathway. All of these can be affected by a large variety of clinical conditions giving the specialty a broad scope.
A unique aspect of ophthalmology is that it is concerned with an area which has many transparent components, enabling structures and abnormalities to be observed directly.
In recent years, ophthalmology has incorporated new technologies into daily practice, improving the diagnostic ability and options available to the Ophthalmologist.

Training in the Southwest
The South West scheme comprises of a 4 1/2 year structured training program in the 2 teaching hospitals, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (West of England Eye Unit) and Royal Eye Infirmary, Plymouth, and the 2 District General Hospitals, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton and Torbay Hospital, Torquay. Trainees can expect to move between all 4 hospitals during their training, usually for 1 year attachments.

On satisfactory conclusion of the program and passing the RCOphth exit examination, the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and be able to undertake independent ophthalmic practice to the standard acceptable within the United Kingdom and European Community.

The program includes the opportunity to undertake a period of sub-specialist surgical training (Advanced Sub-Specialist Training Opportunity or ASTO) towards the completion of the training program. Advanced training opportunities in glaucoma, cornea, vitreo-retinal surgery, oculoplastic surgery and paediatric ophthalmology / strabismus are possible.

The Training Hospitals
Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust

Related Sites
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists
The Royal College of Surgeons of England
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh