Medical ophthalmologists (also known as ophthalmic physicians) are doctors who diagnose and treat medical eye conditions which are related to systemic diseases.  This is an integrative specialty which serves to manage complex patient groups and bridge the gap between hospital ophthalmic services, inpatient medical care and community care. It requires a broad understanding of the human body and its relationship to diseases which can affect the eye.

“The Eye as a Window”, Prof Alastair Denniston, MOSUK meeting 2022, Cutler’s Hall. 

Although the position of ‘ophthalmic physician’ was formalised in 1804 at the London Ophthalmic Infirmary, it took until 1995 for a formal Medical Ophthalmology training programme to be inaugurated. Shortly after, a group of ophthalmologists and physicians formed the Medical Ophthalmological Society UK (MOSUK) whose aim was to foster joint working between medicine and ophthalmology, and to stimulate interest in the speciality. Since 1999, there have been annual meetings held in different centres throughout the United Kingdom.

MOSUK meeting 2022, Cutler’s Hall.