Dr. Floor Berkhout, ophthalmologist and medical director of the Eye Division at Bergman Clinics, was appointed board member of the Dutch Ophthalmological Society (NOG) during the General Members' Meeting. With her appointment, the sector of independent treatment centres (ZBCs) will now also be formally represented on the board.
The NOG is the professional association for ophthalmologists in the Netherlands and plays a central role in improving the quality of eye care. The association draws up guidelines, encourages scientific research, and supports the professional development of ophthalmologists. “It is an honor that the board has given me this opportunity,” said Berkhout. “In my current role, I see every day how much impact we can make on good and accessible eye care. My goal is to raise the standard of eye care in the Netherlands to a higher level.”
Berkhout has been working at Bergman Clinics | Eyes since 2017, specializing in cataracts and premium contact lenses. She previously worked at Alrijne Hospital for ten years, six of which as a board member of the Medical Specialist Company. “I have gained extensive experience in both a hospital and a focus clinic. I can see where the differences and opportunities lie. In a focus clinic in particular, you learn how to guarantee quality with shorter waiting times and lower costs,” she said.
As a new board member at the NOG, Berkhout wants to focus on collaboration within the sector. “Through better collaboration between independent treatment centres, hospitals, and university medical centres, we can raise the level of eye care in the Netherlands in several areas: quality, efficiency, and accessibility. We can organize better, learn from each other, and do more with data for research. In doing so, we also contribute to the sustainable employment of ophthalmologists.”
With Berkhout's appointment, NOG is responding to changing practices: 30 percent of eye care in the Netherlands is now being provided by ZBCs.