Learn from the Best: Observership at Moorfields Eye Hospital London & Sveti Duh Hospital Zagreb

Adelina Susnea
2 days ago
3 min read

The curiosity and thirst for knowledge of a young ophthalmologist at the beginning of their journey are the most important assets that give them the courage to step out of their comfort zone. Especially for a doctor who completed a residency where, unfortunately, unlike in other countries, the focus was not placed on acquiring practical skills or training in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, my current area of interest. A field that is both essential and vast, with a very long learning curve. An observership was the next right step to take.

Observership in Moorfields and Sveti Duh: How it Started

And so, we reach the point where we must compensate for all these gaps to truly help our patients with the knowledge they need and at the level they deserve.

Because, in the end, it all comes down to this: investing your time and energy to be of help to those in need. And that very goal becomes the fuel that keeps you going. After failure, after hard times, after mistakes, after disappointments, after frustrations.

So, I started from scratch and began thoroughly researching the key reference points in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, and starting the basic form of training: an observership.

My search led me to two incredible institutions in the field of ophthalmology: Moorfields Eye Hospital London and Sveti Duh Hospital Zagreb. I sent multiple emails, and as a result, I was accepted.

Observership Experience at Sveti Duh Hospital in Zagreb

In Zagreb, I was received in a very professional yet warm manner. I cannot thank enough Prof. Bjelos, Prof. Kuzmanovic, Prof. Busic, and the other exceptional doctors who prepared a program for me with a different physician each day, so I could see various medical styles and approaches.

I attended daily morning reports, consultations, I asked questions anytime (all the doctors spoke English), and I assisted surgeries.

The daily schedule was from 8 AM to around 4 PM, but I never felt the time passing. It was the first time I saw such a large and well-equipped ophthalmology department covering all subspecialties.

Nothing was missing – everything an ophthalmologist could wish for was there. This, of course, explains the high demand and reputation of the hospital. There, I acquired the basic skills for pediatric ophthalmologic consultations, which later helped me back home and deepened my interest even more. So, naturally…

…the dream continued to Moorfields Eye Hospital London!

Observership Experience at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London

Any well-informed ophthalmologist clearly knows the standard and prestige of this global reference point. After being accepted, Ms. Maria Pennycuick, the observership coordinator, provided me with all the necessary details and rules.

She also welcomed me on my first day at the hospital reception and gave me an easy and helpful tour of a huge hospital, without making it feel overwhelming. She introduced me to the reception desks on each floor where I was scheduled to be over the following period. She managed to organize an incredibly complex and efficient program tailored exactly to my needs, with all the required guidance.

The daily schedule was from 8:30 AM until around 5 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.

The observership took place both in the main Moorfields Eye Hospital building and in the adjacent Richard Desmond Children’s Eye Centre.

In each department, I was welcomed with open arms, and I saw things I had only read about until then. My eyes tried to absorb absolutely every piece of information and every image. Indeed, the most complex and difficult cases, not the usual day-to-day ones, are usually referred there.

I sat next to consultants, fellows, and orthoptists. All very well-trained and proud to work there. I promised myself I’d return. At the end of the observership, I also received the certificate that attests to my participation:

"I encourage you to open your eyes to the world!" - Adelina Susnea