Study Methods Preferred By Ophthalmology Learners

Background

There are a wide variety of options for learning ophthalmology now. There are more textbooks and review books available now than ever before; podcasts, YouTube channels, and many other forms of media also provide new streams of innovative content.

Over the last 6-7 years since I started Ophthalmology Review, I’ve enjoyed trying different methods of developing useful content - from directly translating my notes from residency, to creating tables and picmonics, writing review articles, etc. - I’m constantly thinking of how to teach the incredible field of ophthalmology.

However, sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what people find most useful, and what may be helpful for one person may not be for another. So in my continuous search for content ideas, I wanted to know what study tools the readers of this website find most helpful.

Ophthalmology Study Topic Checklist

Check out a new resource I’ve created - a checklist that covers over 3000+ topics in ophthalmology, with page references from the latest editions of the Basic and Clinical Science Course, Review of Ophthalmology, and Kanski’s Clinical Ophthalmology! If you’re having a hard time getting started with learning/studying ophthalmology or want a handy way of making sure you’ve covered the high-yield topics in ophthalmology, this tool may be really helpful!

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Download Here

Random Topic Generator

I’m happy to announce that I’ve completed a random topic generator that covers all of the various topics discussed in the AAO’s Basic and Clinical Science Course textbooks (excluding the General Medicine volume). It’s been a while since I’ve coded to this extent so this version is very basic - I’ve included all topics listed in the BCSC (including references such as glossaries and procedure instructions), and I haven’t assigned any priorities to certain topics, which means that there is theoretically an equal chance of getting keratoconus as there is getting molecular genetics testing modalities.

Eventually I’d like to prioritize topics to a certain degree, which may also take into account stage of training (a first-year resident may need to review anatomy a lot more than a recent graduate) as well as type of knowledge (how to perform surgery is probably learned hands-on rather than from a textbook).

I’m working closely with the AAO on projects similar to this, and so eventually this project may be added to one of the resources the Academy offers. Stay tuned for more developments!

Check it out!

If I Had To Learn Ophthalmology From The Beginning Again...

  • I would start with a topic outline

  • I would create a realistic study schedule flexible enough to allow for adjustments

  • I would study several subjects at once instead of focusing on one topic at a time

  • I would utilize practice questions to test my previous knowledge and highlight areas of focus

  • I would utilize mnemonics and other memory tools to help remember details better

  • I would read, create, and review in short bursts instead of cramming in long sessions

  • I would devise quick reviews throughout the workday instead of trying to do it all at the end of the day

  • I would set aside time at the end of each day to reflect on the patients I saw to consider useful learning points and areas of study

  • I would use textbooks as references for study instead of reading them over and over again

  • I would create useful flashcards to review throughout the day

  • I would gamify my learning to celebrate incremental gains in knowledge

(originally posted by me on Twitter)

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Localization of Third Nerve (CN3) Palsies

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Understanding the associated and not-associated features of CN3 palsies can help localize the disease. Because partial CN3 palsy is often associated with other life-threatening or highly-morbid disease, urgent neuroimaging is recommended in all cases of suspected partial CN3 palsy.

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Superior Segment Hypoplasia (Topless Disc Syndrome)

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This condition may be mistaken for glaucoma due to the inferior arcuate visual field defect and RNFL thinning on OCT. On exam there is no cupping of the optic nerve (usually), and the superior half of the optic nerve is missing or sometimes looks “lopped off,” leading to the name “topless disc syndrome.” The key question that should be asked in the medical history is if the patient’s mother has diabetes mellitus. Unlike glaucoma, this condition does not need treatment.

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Morning Glory Disc Anomaly

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Like optic pits, morning glory disc anomalies have a risk of serous RDs. Neuroimaging is indicated at initial diagnosis of morning glory disc anomaly to evaluate for basal encephaloceles and CNS vascular anomalies such as moyamoya disease.

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Congenital Tilted Disc Syndrome

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This condition mimics early bitemporal hemianopia; as such, these patients often get MRIs to look for chiasmal disease. Because these depressions are relative due to refractive error (colobomatous excavation) and not absolute, it’s worth trying different lenses to see if the defects resolve - a compressive lesion such as a pituitary macroadenoma would not improve with different lenses.

4 Tips to Prep for OKAP with the BCSC

I wrote a test-prep article for the AAO for their YO (young ophthalmologists) column last year discussing some ways to prepare for the OKAP using the BCSC textbooks. As you’re looking for different resources to study for your exams, these tips may be helpful!

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