The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) represents nurses and nursing. While the terms ‘nurses’ and ‘nursing’ are used generically, membership is inclusive of a variety of clinical roles, including midwives, advanced nurse practitioners, advanced clinical practitioners, nurse consultants, registered nursing associates, healthcare support workers, and student groups.
The RCN Ophthalmic Nursing Forum (ONF) is a well-established network within the RCN. It consists of ophthalmic nurses who share a commitment to promoting eye health, as well as caring for people with ophthalmic conditions and visual impairment. We are dedicated to advocate for, raise the profile, and enhance the impact of ophthalmic nurses, both in the public and private sector.
The ONF currently has about 1600 members and six steering committee members from diverse ophthalmic nursing clinical backgrounds. Forum membership is free and open to all nurses. The steering committee membership, however, requires a formal application process when a vacancy becomes available. The current steering committee members are listed below:
- Carmel Bagness (Professional lead)
- Tendai Gwenhure (Forum chair)
- Jem Bautista (Steering committee)
- Regina Tavengwa (Steering committee)
- Catherine Garrott (Steering committee)
- Rebecca Turner (Steering committee)
- Grace Eni (Steering committee)
We are committed to promoting an ophthalmic nursing workforce that is fit for the 21st century healthcare needs. Our core objectives include:
- Using evidence-based practice to deliver quality care and improve standards.
- Being a resource to support learning and developmental needs for the ONF members and the wider ophthalmic nursing community.
- Raising the professional profile and promote the visibility of policy and practice.
- Leading and influencing the public health agenda to promote high standards of healthcare.
- Influencing changes in ophthalmology that will benefit both patients and nurses.
Through collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders such as the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, General Optical Council, and the Royal National Institute for Blind People, the RCN ONF is at the forefront of championing for equitable access to appropriate ophthalmic education, clinical skills, and expertise to provide high-quality patient care. To achieve this, we employ strategies such as developing clinical guidelines and professional publications to shape health policy, shape service provision, promote and share best practice. We also engage in preventative eye health and public awareness initiatives.
The RCN ONF operational function spans out to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The ONF has a range of educational resources and professional guidelines, which are accessible to all members from the forum webpages. We have a strong social media presence and engage in collegiate, knowledge sharing, and networking activities. One of the most popular events is the Annual Ophthalmic Nursing Conference, which was held on 16 November 2024 at the RCN Headquarters in Central London. Information about the ONF conference can be found on our website: www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/events/ophthalmic-nursing. For future events visit: www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events
The ONF provides a great opportunity to share, standardise, adopt best practices and implement contemporary innovations and digital solutions. For further information about the RCN ONF, please follow the link: www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Involved/Forums/Ophthalmic-Nursing-Forum
Eye News will also be opening up a dedicated Nurses Forum section within each issue. Keep an eye out for its first instalment in the February / March issue, and we’ll see you in 2025!
ONF membership is free to RCN members. Access the joining portal:
https://www.rcn.org.uk/join-the-rcn/Join
