📝 Cracking the FRCOphth Part 2 Written Exam: My Resources, Strategy & Support System

The FRCOphth Part 2 Written Exam is a comprehensive test of your ophthalmic knowledge. It requires careful planning, resource management, and regular practice to tackle its challenges. In this post, I’ll share the resources I used, my strategy, and how peer support played a crucial role in my success.

📚 Core Resources I Used

Here are the primary resources I relied on during my preparation:

✅ OphthoQ

• The most thorough question bank I used
• Excellent for image-based questions and detailed explanations that reflect real exam scenarios
• Tip: Focus on specific subspecialties where you need more practice and regularly time your mock exams

✅ OphthoBank

• Great for daily quick revision of MCQs
• It helped me build consistency and focus on reinforcing concepts
• Tip: Use it as a complementary tool for OphthoQ to keep your knowledge sharp

✅ Eye Academy

• Excellent platform for structured OSCE and written exam practice, very close to the exam pattern. They also have wonderful explanations and summaries of topics, must for written part 2 exam as well as orals.
• Coupon Code for 10% discount on Eye Academy – EYECAPSULE10

✅ Oxford Handbook of Ophthalmology

• The bible for this exam — I can’t emphasize this enough.
• It covers all subspecialties and is great for quick references and in-depth revision
• You’ll need to revise it at least twice before the exam for maximum retention
• Tip: Make notes of high-yield topics and revise them during your final weeks

✅ Kanski (For Images)

• Kanski is a must for memorising images and visual questions
• Google images and use Chua’s website for high-quality visual resources
• Group discussions also help a lot in cross-checking and reinforcing visual knowledge

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📘 Additional Resources

✅ Chua’s Website

• A great resource for OSCE stations, clinical cases, and visual aids
• Perfect for reviewing common conditions and revising before the exam

✅ OST Training Book

• I used this for exam technique and to supplement the oxford handbook. Also, it is more updated in term of recent Guidelines according to UK standards

✅ MCQ Books:

• Blue Book: MCQs for FRCOphth Part 2 by Ting — Comprehensive MCQs that mirror the exam style
• Red Book: FRCOphth Part 2 MCQs by Tagal — Another excellent MCQ resource, helping to cement your knowledge

While these books are useful, question banks should be your primary focus for optimal results.

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🔄 How I Structured My Preparation

📅 Week-by-Week Plan (Available to Subscribers)

• I can create a personalised week-by-week study plan for individuals or groups for a minimal fee.
• For my subscribers, I will share my own study plan directly via email. It’s structured to cover all the necessary topics and incorporates regular revisions, mock exams, and group sessions.

🤝 The Power of Peer Support

Attending regular study sessions with peers from different faculties was a game-changer for me. These sessions were not only about solving MCQs, but about discussing difficult concepts, clarifying doubts, and practicing viva scenarios. The peer support system kept me motivated and helped me stay on track, especially during the more challenging phases of preparation.

In addition to group discussions, we reviewed case scenarios together, which helped simulate the exam environment and improve my clinical decision-making skills.

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✨ Final Tips for Written Exam Aspirants

• Revise consistently – Use resources like the Oxford Handbook for in-depth understanding and regular review
• Practice with question banks – OphthoQ and OphthoBank were essential in strengthening my weak areas
• Use Anki for visual learning and make sure you’re well-prepared with images
• Group study and viva practice are key! Discuss and clarify topics with peers regularly
• Focus on clinical reasoning rather than rote memorisation

Smart preparation and strong peer support make the perfect formula for success.

If you’re looking for more personalised guidance and would like to receive my week-by-week plan, feel free to subscribe. I’ll be happy to help!

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