National competition · 2026
Two £500 national prizes for UK medical students, foundation doctors, specialist trainees, and fellows. Choose the category that matches your career stage.
OphthalmologyQ is proud to announce the inaugural National Essay Prizes across the United Kingdom—designed to foster scholarly thinking and celebrate the next generation of ophthalmic clinicians and academics.
£500
Medical students & final year doctors
“Will artificial intelligence replace the ophthalmologist? Critically evaluate the current and emerging role of AI in ophthalmic diagnosis, screening, and surgical planning, and discuss the implications for medical student training and the future ophthalmic workforce.”
View prize details →£500
Trainees & fellows
“With increasing subspecialisation, reduced operative exposure, and the rapid integration of AI-assisted diagnostics, critically evaluate whether the current ophthalmology training pathway in the UK remains fit for purpose — and propose a bold reform for the next decade.”
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