Torbay Hospital League of Friends fund £65k ophthalmoscopy simulator

Published: 27 February 2017

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has recently purchased a state-of-the-art ophthalmoscopy simulator for Torbay Hospital’s Eye Unit, thanks to the impressive fundraising efforts of the hospital’s League of Friends.

The League of Friends raised £65,000 for the simulator which will help to further enhance the care provided to ophthalmology patients in Torbay and South Devon.

The brand new ‘VR Magic indirect ophthalmoscopy simulator’ is a state-of-the-art virtual-reality training tool. It allows ophthalmologists in training to practice one of the most difficult skills to learn in ophthalmology, with immediate feedback on their technique, and no patients required for the training as it’s all simulated.

The simulator, which is located in the Eye Unit at Torbay Hospital, was formally handed over on 6 February 2017 by the League of Friends Committee. Some of the Junior League of Friends demonstrated their skills as budding ophthalmologists by trying out the simulator.

Tamsin Sleep, Consultant Ophthalmologist, said: “I would like to thank the League for their extremely generous support in buying the simulator. Without their support, we would not be able to provide such excellent training facilities for our doctors. With this, we remain at the forefront of training and patient safety, with the best ophthalmology simulation facilities in the Peninsula*.”

Peter Welch, Torbay Hospital League of Friends Chairman, said: “Advanced training is vital for a proper diagnosis, and the League is proud to have been able to provide the funds for this incredible new simulator which will help keep Torbay Hospital ahead of the game in simulation”.

*South West Peninsula: The unofficial south west region covering land between the Bristol Channel to the north of the English Channel, including Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.