Ophthalmology

Okay, I've been mega bored this afternoon, and I'm a geek, and I've worked out that Oxford university seems to produce the most Ophthalmologists of any of the medical schools.

I know Ophthalmology is one of, if not the hardest speciality to get into, so do people think that I'd do better to apply to Oxford as this is the speciality I want to go into...?

I mean surely the fact that I'll be an Orthoptist by the time I apply will count towards something...?

Oh, and can anyone tell me why Ophthalmology is so hard to get into?

Wow - you must have been bored.

Speciality competitiveness is very variable and trends change. Critical care is currently the new black.

I am sure being an orthoptist will be useful when applying for specialist training in ophthalmology especially as there is very little of it in undergraduate medicine.

Having said, critical care is the new black - I know a remarkably high number of people who want to do ophthalmology. It is surgery with very few on calls- there are not many eye emergencies that necessitate a Consultant to get out of bed and there is lots of lucrative private work.

Personally, I couldn't do it. Eye surgery is the one thing that makes me very squeamish.

Wow, someone who a) gives a sensible answer to my query and b) can spell ophthalmology.

My post on admissionsforum got stupid replies.

Thank you.

What can I say.

You probably missed the addition to original post about the undergraduate school not being that important as you were so quick off the mark in replying to my post.