Preparing for the FRCOphth Part 2 Written exam is a challenging journey – and with so many question banks out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But if you use the right tools in the right way, you can turn your preparation from chaotic to strategic.
In this post, I’ll share:
- The strengths and limitations of each major question bank
- A 4-month structured study plan
- Key tips that can make the difference between passing and failing
📚 Breakdown of the 3 Key Resources
| Platform | Approx. MCQs | Strengths | Price | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OphthoQ | ~4,000 | Excellent for concept-building and structured learning | ~$500 for 6 months | ❌ |
| OphthoBank | ~600 | Real exam-style MCQs, concise, to-the-point | ~$65–70 for 3 months | ❌ |
| Eye Academy | ~500 | Strong tables, charts, and explanations; easy to revise | ~£215 for 3 months | ✅ Use code EYECAPSULE10 for 10% of |
🧠 How to Use Each Platform Strategically
🔹 OphthoQ – Build Your Foundation
- Great for developing conceptual understanding.
- Detailed explanations act like mini-textbooks.
- Use in the first 2 months for topic-wise learning.
- In the final month, revise high-yield/wrong MCQs, or do a second round depending on your time.
- Ideal for timed mocks once you’ve built speed.
🔹 OphthoBank – Mirror of the Real Exam
- Content feels very similar to the actual exam.
- Simple UI but highly exam-relevant MCQs.
- Cheapest among the three, and a must-do twice:
- Once in Month 3
- Again in the week before the exam
- Don’t judge it by its interface—it delivers where it matters.
🔹 Eye Academy – Visual & Structured Recall
- Doesn’t offer videos for written, but tables and explanations are a strength.
- Content is slightly easier than the real exam, but still very useful.
- Use it in Month 3, then revise completely a week before the exam.
- Always read the full explanation—even for correct answers. This is a game changer.
🗓️ 4-Month Prep Timetable
| Month | Focus | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | Concept building | 📘 Start OphthoQ topic-wise. 🟢 Aim for 1,500–2,000 MCQs. 📝 Make notes from explanations. |
| Month 2 | Completing OphthoQ 1st round | ✅ Finish remaining OphthoQ. 🔁 Review tough/marked MCQs. ⏱️ Begin occasional timed practice. |
| Month 3 | Real-exam practice + consolidation | 🔍 Start Eye Academy and complete it. 📊 Do OphthoBank full round 1. 📒 Note key learning points. |
| Month 4 | Final push + review | 🎯 Revise OphthoQ: focus on high-yield/wrong MCQs. ⏱️ Attempt full-length timed mocks if possible. |
| Final Week | Exam-focused revision | 🔁 Redo Eye Academy and OphthoBank completely. 📌 Read full explanations for every MCQ. 🚨 Avoid new material. Focus only on consolidating. |
🔑 Key Tips That Make the Difference
- ✅ Use OphthoQ as a learning tool, not just a Q-bank.
- 🔄 Every Q-bank should be done at least twice.
- 🧠 Even when you get an MCQ right, read the full explanation.
- ✍️ Make your own high-yield summary notes or flashcards.
- 🕒 In the final 4 weeks, switch to timed practice to build exam readiness.
- 💡 If you’re short on time in the last month, just revise high-yield and marked questions in OphthoQ.
🚨 What Separates a Pass From a Fail
The difference between passing and failing often comes down to this:
- Did you read the explanation for every MCQ, even the ones you got right?
- Did you revise your Q-banks strategically, not just once but at least twice?
- Did you shift gears from reading mode to timed exam mode at the right time?
These are the small but powerful steps that can define your result.
