Preparing for the FRCOphth Part 1 exam right after finishing residency might sound intense—but with the right resources, mindset, and a strong support system, it’s very much doable. I wanted to share my journey and honest tips that might help you feel more confident as you start your own.
🌱 Getting Started After Residency
As soon as my university exams were over, I decided to dedicate my time to preparing for FRCOphth Part 1. Having already cleared FICO Part A and B, I was familiar with the exam structure but quickly realized that FRCOphth Part 1 demands deeper, broader conceptual clarity, especially in basic sciences and optics.
I began by revisiting the John Ferris book, which I had used during my FICO prep. While it served as a good introduction, I quickly found it wasn’t comprehensive enough on its own. That’s when I turned to the Oxford book of Basic Sciences in Ophthalmology, which offered the depth and structure I needed.
👁️ Tackling Optics with Confidence
Optics can be intimidating, but I found it surprisingly manageable when I stuck to one core book: Elkington’s Clinical Optics. I didn’t try to read multiple optics texts—instead, I complemented Elkington with Chua’s website and MCQ books, which simplified many concepts through diagrams and problem-solving approaches.
The Clinical Optics study notes by Mohamed Omar and Chua’s Optics and Refraction also became part of my regular reading. These helped reinforce my understanding with bite-sized explanations and clear illustrations. It was all about understanding the why behind optics principles, not just memorizing them.
🔁 Mastering Basic Sciences Through Practice
For subjects like physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology, I relied on a blend of structured reading and MCQ practice. I referred to Shaheen in Physiology and the Physiology of the Eye by Mohamed Omar for their clarity, along with Sciences Basic to Ophthalmology by Arnold, which filled in essential gaps.
But the real turning point came when I started doing MCQs daily. I solved questions from multiple sources including, MCQs for FRCOphth Part 1 , Chua’s MCQ books for both Basic Sciences and Optics, the FRCOphth Part 1 SBA and CRQ book, and MasterPass. Each question taught me something new—and I always made sure to go back and read the explanation, even when I got it right.
I also used a concise MCQ Companion to the Eye, which helped with mixed-topic quick reviews. And for clinical integration, The Eye: Basic Sciences in Practice made things click—especially how anatomy and physiology translated into real-life scenarios.
🧠 The Power of Qbanks
If there’s one piece of advice I’d scream from the rooftops—it’s this: start solving MCQs from Day 1. Don’t wait until you “finish the theory.”
Among all Qbanks, eFRCOphth stood out as the most helpful. It mirrors the actual exam format well and has high-quality explanations. I also solved questions on EyeDocs, which was available back then and served as a solid base.
Nowadays, additional platforms like Eye Academy and Rev Eyes and Conquer by Mostafa Dowidar offer curated material for FRCOphth Part 1 aspirants. And to make it easier for you, I’ve partnered with Eye Academy to offer a 10% discount with the code: EYECAPSULE10.
🤓 Video Lectures That Made a Difference – iCourses
Another invaluable resource I used was iCourses, which offers a comprehensive collection of video lectures. These helped me understand complex concepts much more easily—especially in Optics, which can otherwise feel overwhelming. The lectures are delivered by Dr. Hamdy, a well-renowned UK-based surgeon, whose teaching style is clear, concise, and exam-focused.
What I really appreciated about iCourses was how it catered not just to FRCOphth candidates, but also to FICO and FRCS Glasgow aspirants. The platform is especially beneficial for busy senior consultants who may not have the time to sit with theory books after a long day at work. In fact, the content is so well-organized and practical that it can replace traditional reading for many key topics. I personally relied on iCourses heavily, and they played a big role in helping me clear Part 1 on my first attempt.
I also have discounted links for iCourses access. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out through this blog or DM me directly—I’ll be happy to share them. And if you’re looking for a different package or tailored content, message me and I’ll try my best to help you get it.
🤝 Study Groups – Take my word for it — this step is a must.
One of the most important aspects of my preparation was having a study group.
Discussing tricky questions, clearing each other’s doubts, and setting shared goals helped me stay focused and accountable. It wasn’t just about academic support—it was emotional support too. On days when motivation dipped, my study buddies pulled me through, and I did the same for them.
If you’re preparing alone, I highly recommend joining or forming a small study group. Even meeting once or twice a week for case discussions or rapid-fire MCQs can boost your learning significantly.
💬 Want Personalized Help?
I know how confusing and overwhelming this path can feel, especially if you’re studying alone or unsure about resources.
That’s why I’m now offering:
- One-on-one mentoring
- Group guidance sessions
- Exam planning help
All at a minimal charge, for those who need a structured plan or just want to talk through their doubts. If you’d like to connect, feel free to message me via this blog or DM me on Instagram.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Clearing FRCOphth Part 1 isn’t about cramming all the books—it’s about understanding the basics well, repeated MCQ practice, and being consistent. Have faith in your effort, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or reach out.
You’ve got this—and I’m here to support your journey.
