The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to ophthalmic specialist training in the United Kingdom (UK). The need to increase ward and critical care capacity and limit COVID-19 transmission has led to the suspension of elective surgery for an estimated 12 weeks [1], a significant reduction in outpatient activity and the postponement of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists postgraduate examinations [2]. Many ophthalmic trainees have been redeployed to other specialties to help cope with the extra workload posed by COVID-19. Ophthalmic congresses worldwide have been cancelled, resulting in a loss of face-to-face teaching opportunities.

We surveyed ophthalmic trainees across the UK, via a self-administered anonymous online survey, to assess their views on the impact of COVID-19 on training. Responses were collected over a 1-week period (14/05/2020–21/05/20). Questions focused on redeployment, aspects of training likely to be affected and what could be done to improve training. Trainees were also asked about their opinion on alternative teaching methods (e.g., webinars) and whether their mental health was affected. A free text option for additional comments was also included.

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