Shortage of ophthalmologists predicted in the UK

Based on its 2018 census, the college has identified several major recruitment and workforce planning gaps, alongside a projected 40% rise in dand for ophthalmologist’s services over the next 20 years.Within the next two years, the RCOphth has estimated an additional 230 consultant and 204 staff and associate specialists will be necessary to meet the needs of the country’s patients, largely due to the imminent retirent of a quarter of the existing workforce.To alleviate the current shortage, 67% of hospital eyecare units ploy locum doctors, an increase of 52% since 2016. Additionally, 85% of eyecare units have adopted waiting lists to manage the current dand.“There is a widespread misconception that ophthalmology is a small specialty delivering mainly elective minor procedures and the risk of harm is low. This is not the case. Ophthalmology is a major service, dealing with nine million outpatient appointments every year and delivering 6% of all surgery in the NHS,” Ms Jane Harcourt, chair of the RCOphth Workforce Committee said.“The census highlights the continuing serious shortage of ophthalmologists and widespread use of locums.”Aside from an ageing population, the development of new treatments for previously untreatable eye conditions has placed greater strain on the UK’s public eyecare sector. This has been exacerbated by an increasing number of patients diagnosed with long-term eye diseases. Even with improved efficiencies and support roles by non-medical and community staff, the RDOphth believes this is not sufficient to cover the dand.“Our patients deserve better. Policy makers, NHS leaders, and commissioners must recognise and understand the significance of eye conditions and sight loss and give ophthalmology the priority it deserves – before hundreds more patients suffer permanent and avoidable loss of sight,” Ms Melanie Hingorani, chair of the RCOphth Professional Standards Committee said.