Alan Connor

Northern OTG Rep

The part II EXAM

A last minute crammer’s GuideA last minute crammer’s Guide

When to do the exam

• Rotated through all subspecialties

• Exam becomes easier with more experience

• No prizes for doing the exam early

• Don’t wait until last 6 months of ST7

• Plan to do it at a time when you can dedicate time to studying.

• Needs 4-6 preparation time

Structure of examination

The written component

• x 2 MCQ papers

• 90 MCQs each

Practical component

5 station VIVA

7 station OSCE

Sources of Information

Sources of information

USE THE SYLLABUS AS A STUDY GUIDE

Example of syllabus

Other sources of information

Written paper topics

Top written topics

1. Neuro-ophthalmology

2. Medical retina

3. Pharmacology

4. Cornea

Text books

Question books

Question websites

Question websites

Question websites

Studying technique

The clinical exam- the VIVA

• Station 1: Patient investigations and data interpretation

• Station 2: Patient management

• Station 3: Patient management

• Station 4: Attitudes, ethics and responsibilities

• Station 5: Audit, research and evidence based practice

Preparing for the VIVA -Guidelines

GMC Guidance

Other Guidelines

• NICE guidelines

• WHO surgical checklist

• Society of rheumatologists – bone prophylaxis

• TIA guidelines (ABCD2 trial)

• Child protection policy

The clinical exam – The OSCE

• Station 1: Cataract and anterior segment

• Station 2: Glaucoma and lid

• Station 3: Posterior segment

• Station 4: Strabismus and orbit

• Station 5+6: Medicine and Neurology

• Station 7: Communication Skills (usually done at time of VIVA)

Preparing for the OSCE

Preparing for the OSCE

Courses

Oculus - Birmingham

Take your own equipment

Direct Ophthalmoscope

Pen torch

Fixation target

Occluder

Hat pins

OSCE marking

Comm skills marking

Things I would do differently

Read more widely as a junior trainee

Made study notes for each subspecialty as I completed firms

Not worried so much