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.
The Southwest Peninsula Ophthalmology training programme provides excellent teaching and training in a beautiful part of the country, sounded by coastal and moorland scenery. We have two University cities, two Medical Schools, and if you have to escape, two international airports and fast direct trains to London and the North.
The training is comprehensive and of a very high standard, supported by the latest technologies to deliver excellent results. Our GMC survey results are consistently excellent, showing that the Southwest is the best place to train.
Peninsula Postgraduate Medical Education offers training in the following centres:
- Torbay and South Devon Healthcare (Torbay Hospital)
- Royal Devon University Healthcare (West of England Eye Unit, Exeter)
- University Hospitals Plymouth (The Royal Eye Infirmary)
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton)
- Royal Devon University Healthcare (North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple)
- Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust (Truro)
You will be supported through the Royal College of Ophthalmology’s New Curriculum 2024, using all the well-established advanced sub-specialty training opportunities within the region. All Ophthalmic sub-specialties are covered in the training years. 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 program 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)