As the United Kingdom and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (UKISCRS) celebrates its 50th anniversary, Professor Dr. David Lockington is preparing to bring his two-year term as President to a close. Ahead of the Society’s anniversary congress in London, he talks to The Ophthalmologist about his time at the helm, the evolution of UKISCRS, and what the next chapter might hold for its growing community of cataract and refractive surgeons.
When you became President of UKISCRS, what did you most want to achieve in the role?
I became President during the 75th anniversary celebrations of Ridley’s invention of the IOL in November 2024 and will conclude my term at the 50th anniversary UKISCRS Congress in London (November 18-20, 2026). My biggest concern was simply not dropping the ball during such a momentous period!
Looking back, what has impacted you most about leading the Society?
Ironically, the pandemic provided an unintended reset for ophthalmic congresses. Online webinars raised awareness of people, organizations, and societies, and in-person events returned with renewed appetite for shared learning.
UKISCRS now has a much stronger social media presence, helping us share information, encourage attendance, and increase engagement.
I have also been conscious that whenever I speak at another conference, I am flying the flag for UKISCRS. It is particularly rewarding when fellow ophthalmologists ask when they can come and speak at one of our meetings. Such endorsements suggest we must be doing something right!
How has the reputation of UKISCRS developed during your presidency?
UKISCRS has a strong reputation for education and entertainment within an “eye family” environment, underpinned by dynamic discussions, high-quality speakers, and a relevant academic program.
We have introduced some gameshow components for light relief, including spot-prize merchandise, as well as unique congress dinners to show our appreciation for attendees. I am delighted to see delegate numbers and industry participation continue to grow year on year, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
What are you most proud of from your time as President?
The intentional broadening of our national and international speaker base has been particularly pleasing, leading naturally to more inclusive and diverse representation on the podium.
National speakers generally appear once on each UKISCRS program, and international speakers twice, so there is plenty of space for wider participation. I have personally benefited from complex case discussions and alternative perspectives from colleagues, and the informal mentorship opportunities are priceless. We are all learning together as an eye family.
What do you see as the most important role UKISCRS plays for cataract and refractive surgeons today?
UKISCRS is big enough to attract major clinical and surgical figures and industry partners, but small enough to preserve a genuine community atmosphere.
We can debate new developments and innovations while learning and laughing together. Cataract and refractive surgeons can sometimes become isolated in day-to-day clinical practice, and UKISCRS provides a family forum to step back, re-evaluate, and return to work refreshed. Your patients will thank you for that renewed outlook.
How important is it for UKISCRS to support younger ophthalmologists and give them a stronger voice?
Residents have limited study leave and even less budget, so UKISCRS provides an attractive option for engagement and participation.
We offer an initial three years of free membership, including ESCRS membership, alongside skills-transfer dry labs and a dedicated Young Ophthalmologists Program before the annual congress. That regularly attracts more than 100 delegates.
For our 50th anniversary year, we are also holding “Hard Rock Cataract at the Hard Rock Café,” giving residents an experience they might not otherwise have. We also offer generous prizes for resident free papers and video presentations, giving younger ophthalmologists valuable podium experience and an incentive to continue their research.
As UKISCRS marks 50 years, what has allowed the Society to remain relevant?
There are far too many eye meetings, and often too many rooms catering for too many delegates. Bigger is not always better, because meetings can become impersonal.
At UKISCRS, we aim for around 150–200 delegates at our regional Cornea & Cataract Days and 350–400 at the annual congress, helping maintain community engagement. One of our unique selling points is that there is only one educational track. Everyone gets to be “in the room where it happens,” and all delegates share the same congress experience. We do not want anyone to feel lonely in a crowd.
As you come to the end of your presidency, what would you like the next chapter of UKISCRS to look like?
UKISCRS is in great shape, with a committed membership, growing delegate numbers, and an engaged and enthusiastic council.
I would like to see greater collaboration with groups such as ESCRS and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, particularly around clinical guidelines and co-sponsored educational events. Together, we can use our collective voices to support better patient eye care.
Visit UKISCRS for further details on the upcoming event.
