Semay Baydar
Attending the Midland Ophthalmological Society (MOS) Annual General Meeting has been one of the highlights of my early ophthalmology experience. The meeting offers a mix of teaching, trainee involvement, and informal networking, which together provide a realistic sense of the specialty. Having attended both the 2024 and 2025 AGMs, I noticed how each year’s focus shaped the learning experience and offered opportunities that matched my own career stage as a resident doctor considering ophthalmology training.
The 2024 AGM explored the structure–function relationship in ophthalmology, looking at cases where imaging findings and patient symptoms don’t always match. Sessions highlighted the challenges of interpreting OCT scans and visual fields and emphasised the need for careful clinical judgement. The Middlemore Lecture, which covered advances in stem cell–derived retinal therapy, was particularly inspiring and gave a glimpse of the cutting-edge research shaping the future of retinal care. Trainee presentations also stood out; seeing audits and small research projects presented so effectively reminded me that meaningful contributions to the specialty are possible even early in training.
The 2025 AGM had a very different feel, focusing on emergency ophthalmology and ocular trauma. Sessions on acute presentations, such as chemical injuries and orbital cellulitis, were immediately relevant to resident doctors, who often encounter emergencies on call. The practical advice on assessment, referral pathways, and timely intervention made the talks feel highly applicable to daily clinical work.
This year, my attendance also had an additional purpose: I am preparing to apply for ophthalmology training. Speaking with current trainees and registrars about their experiences, rotations, and career advice was invaluable. These informal conversations gave me insights that no lecture or guidebook could provide and helped me better understand what life as a trainee ophthalmologist entails.
Overall, attending consecutive MOS AGMs has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The 2024 meeting deepened my understanding of diagnostics and emerging therapies, while 2025 highlighted practical skills and acute care. Both reinforced my enthusiasm for ophthalmology and provided a clear view of the specialty’s breadth, confirming that this is the path I want to pursue.