Junior doctors manage patients with eye symptoms in the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. However, a systematic review published by Tolley et al. in 2023 revealed there is decreased confidence in managing ophthalmic emergencies among A&E junior doctors in the UK. Baylis et al. conducted a survey in 2011 about ophthalmology education delivered across different UK medical schools which found that ophthalmology education varies in terms of standards, methods used and assessments done, with some students receiving no ophthalmology education at all.  This article aims to serve as a guide for ophthalmic assessment in the A&E.

Ophthalmology is a wonderful specialty that offers a balance of both surgical and medical practice hence its popularity among junior doctors. The competition ratio has been increasing yearly with the 2024 ratio being 1:14.41 (96 posts for 1383 applicants), but not everyone will have a tailored ophthalmology portfolio. Thus, this should not deter you if you are passionate about ophthalmology. Listed below are courses that will help improve your knowledge and skills as a budding ophthalmologist. Most of the courses included may even give you points for your portfolio!

Despite being a rare cancer overall, uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Split into different subtypes, the most common type of uveal melanoma is choroidal melanoma (90%), followed by ciliary body and iris melanoma. Despite being a melanoma, uveal melanomas differ greatly from the more common cutaneous melanomas in areas including physiology, genetics, and management. This article will provide a brief overview of uveal melanoma, as well as identify some key differences from cutaneous melanomas.

Sickle cell retinopathy is an ocular disease associated with the sickle cell disease. Sickling haemoglobinopathies is a genetic disease which is characterized by one or more abnormal haemoglobins. These cause the red blood cells to take an abnormal shape which can result in vascular occlusion when they are exposed to conditions such as physiological stress (hypoxia or acidosis).

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a type of bilateral allergic conjunctivitis that involves chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva that can also involve cornea. Typical onset is during childhood and it can present with seasonal variation with patient’s commonly experiencing flares during the spring and summer.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is the most common primary vasculitis in adults, primarily affecting individuals over 50 years of age. It is characterised by granulomatous inflammation of medium- to large-sized vessels, particularly the extracranial branches of the carotid artery, such as the temporal artery. GCA leads to the degradation of vascular smooth muscle cells and elastic fibres, resulting in vascular remodelling, aneurysm formation, and ischemic complications due to intimal thickening and vessel occlusion. The association between blindness and temporal arteritis was recognised as early as the 10th century by Ali-ibn-Isa of Baghdad. In 1890, Hutchinson first described the clinical characteristics of GCA, and in 1930, Horton and his colleagues provided a detailed account of its histopathological features.

Retinal detachment is an ophthalmic emergency that occurs when the neurosensory retina is separated from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that can lead to irreversible loss of vision if left untreated. This article presents an overview of the causes, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management of retinal detachment.

The congress featured a Preliminary Update Course Programme designed to disseminate the latest scientific and clinical advancements in dacryology and dry eye disease. This comprehensive programme aimed to enhance the knowledge base and clinical expertise of participating professionals, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, researchers, and healthcare providers specialising in ocular surface diseases and lacrimal system disorders.