key: cord-0875800-qffqlwxi authors: Attzs, Michelle S.; Lakhani, Bansri K. title: Redeployment: a new paradigm for ophthalmology professionals date: 2020-04-28 journal: Eye (Lond) DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-0915-z sha: 3553713f918926664530bb943c7dd3adefcfbc44 doc_id: 875800 cord_uid: qffqlwxi nan has the NHS encountered the need to implement such widespread, safe restructuring of its workforce [6] . The local unit of the authors of this article has begun a staged process, with the most junior trainees being redeployed to acute wards as part of a mega SHO rota between ENT, Maxillofacial and Neurosurgery. In preparation for what seems like the inevitable, senior registrars and consultants have started a process of staged shadowing and simulation training, in order to prepare for the time when they are required in these different hospital environments. Whilst this is occurring, the ophthalmic service is operating at around 20% with emergency eye care provision still paramount. The redeployment of Ophthalmology doctors gives rise to many questions. As doctors, what level of basic medical knowledge and skills should we retain throughout our training? Should all levels of Ophthalmology doctors be redeployed? How will we cope with the unfamiliar working patterns, unknown teams and new bosses, especially given the current climate of crisis? The key messages from the General Medical Council [7] , the four Statutory Education Bodies [8] and Academy of Medical Royal Colleges [9] are consistent; advice must always be sought when working in an unfamiliar environment, work within your competence, and most importantly, remember no one is alone in this new journey of redeployment and that everyone has the same anxieties and concerns [10] . Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Publisher's note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. World Health Organization. Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation report 1. Geneva: World Health Organization Management of Ophthalmology Services during the Covid pandemic. London: Royal College of Ophthalmologists Next steps on NHS response to COVID-19. London: NHS England and NHS Improvement Moorfields Ophthalmic risk stratification implementation guideline version 2. London: Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Redeploying your secondary care medical workforce safely. London: NHS England Joint statement: supporting doctors in the event of a Covid-19 epidemic in the UK. London: General Medical Council Supporting the COVID-19 response: guidance regarding Medical Education and Training. Leeds; Health Education England Deployment of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. London: Academy of Medical Royal Colleges How can I cope with redeployment?