Consultant-SupervisedSouthborough Surgical CentreRCOphth Logbook-Recordable

Surgical Training for Ophthalmology Trainees

Advancing your surgical skills at CES Academy. CES Academy's Southborough Surgical Centre provides ophthalmology trainees with dedicated cataract surgery training and wet lab sessions — delivered by CES Medical's own consultant ophthalmologists in a fully equipped surgical environment.

We understand that surgical training opportunities within NHS rotas can be limited. Our programme is designed to complement your NHS training, accelerate your cataract surgical progression, and help you meet the RCOphth curriculum milestones with confidence.

What We Offer Trainees

Structured Training

Cataract Surgery Training

Structured, hands-on cataract surgical training sessions at our Southborough Surgical Centre, Tunbridge Wells. Each session is supervised by a CES Medical consultant ophthalmologist and is fully logbook-recordable.

  • Supervised phacoemulsification training
  • Structured feedback from consultant faculty
  • Complements your NHS training pathway
  • Fully logbook-recordable under RCOphth curriculum
  • Small group sessions — limited places
View Upcoming Sessions
Wet Lab / Simulation

Cataract Wet Labs

Practical wet lab sessions using model eye simulation — ideal for trainees at the earlier stages of their surgical career or those looking to refine specific techniques before theatre.

  • Model eye and VR simulation platforms
  • Phaco machine familiarisation
  • Capsulorhexis and nucleus management
  • Immediate expert feedback and coaching
  • Ideal for early-stage trainees
View Upcoming Sessions

How to Access Training

As an NHS ophthalmology trainee, there are several routes through which you can access CES Academy surgical training.

01

Route 1 — Via Your Educational Supervisor

The simplest route. Discuss your interest in supplementary surgical training with your Educational Supervisor (ES). With their approval, you can book directly with CES Academy. Your ES can countersign your logbook entries in the usual way.

02

Route 2 — Via Your Training Programme Director

Your Training Programme Director (TPD) at the Kent, Surrey & Sussex (KSS) Deanery may be able to arrange training days at CES Academy as part of your formal training allocation. We are happy to liaise directly with TPDs and Deanery leads to set up regular training slots for KSS trainees.

03

Route 3 — Trust-Funded Training

Some NHS Trusts fund supplementary surgical training for their trainees as part of their educational budget. Speak to your Clinical Lead or Medical Education team at your Trust about whether this can be funded through your training allocation.

04

Route 4 — Self-Funded

Trainees are also welcome to attend on a self-funded basis. All sessions are fully logbook-recordable under the RCOphth curriculum and can be used towards your surgical competency sign-offs.

Logbook & Curriculum Compliance

All surgical training at CES Academy is designed to integrate seamlessly with your NHS training requirements.

  • Supervised by a GMC-registered consultant ophthalmologist
  • Fully recordable in your RCOphth surgical logbook
  • Aligned with the RCOphth curriculum for cataract surgery
  • Eligible for countersignature by your Educational Supervisor

GMC-Registered

Consultant supervision

RCOphth Logbook

Fully recordable

ES Sign-Off

Countersignature eligible

KSS Deanery

Deanery-linkable

Get in Touch

Whether you want to book as an individual trainee, arrange a block of sessions through your Deanery, or simply find out more — we'd love to hear from you.

Training Programme Directors & Educational Supervisors: If you are looking to arrange training for your trainees, please contact us directly and we will be happy to discuss a tailored arrangement.