News

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has developed a set of standards for laser refractive surgery.

The news comes as Optician publishes its sixth survey of clinics in the UK and Ireland finding little change in the number of clinics identified, but a growing number of services on offer such as femtosecond and wavefront technology. See page 24 for details.

Dr Jeremy Prydal, chairman of the laser refractive working group of the Royal College, said: 'The working party felt that current standards of training in laser refractive surgery were not explicit enough and that actual learning outcomes, an assessment and a certificate the public could see were needed.

To pass the assessment, surgeons must provide two years of audited results, discuss unusual cases, and provide evidence of ongoing education. They will be examined in methods of evaluating patients prior to laser surgery, the equipment used, methods of treatment, and possible complications. They will also have to demonstrate knowledge of relevant standards, clinical governance, appropriate marketing, and issues in taking consent.

The College intends to run a pilot assessment module early in the New Year, with the full scheme coming into effect in October 2007.

The Royal College's working group has representatives from a wide range of interested parties, including several laser organisations, including opticians and the industry.

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