The FRCOphth Part 1 is the first of the fellowship examinations set by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. It is considered one of the hardest and challenging examinations focusing on the theoretical knowledge of the learning outcomes set in the OST curriculum. Whilst there is a recommended reading list of textbooks for knowledge, I find the MCQs for FRCOphth Part 1 is a much needed and fantastic resource for any candidate attempting this examination.
The foreword, by Professor Harminder Dua, acknowledges and empathises with us in saying “examinations are a necessary evil”. (For those who have sat the Part 1 before, don’t we know it!) He goes on to explain how understanding the art of examination is also key to successful preparation. Such an endorsement highlights the value of the content covered in this book. The preface from the author explains how he has truly made it his personal mission to help candidates to pass this examination, and that the questions have been carefully and expertly reviewed.
MCQs for FRCOphth Part 1 consists of 450 MCQs that are evenly divided into five chapters. Each paper of 90 questions is sub-categorised to help the reader identify areas which require further study.
It is the most current and up-to-date resource available, reflecting the new changes to the exam format and core subject weighting. I have found that it condenses much of the desirable high-yield content we all seek from the textbooks! The questions are designed to thoroughly test your understanding; familiarisation with the phrases used and the style of the MCQs is what sets this book apart from other resources. The answers provided are concise and succinct, also directing the reader to further referenced texts. The author has provided simple, relevant definitions and useful aide memoirs throughout. It is very well organised and a good challenge to test your knowledge – it is a helpful guide to gauge the level of detail one needs to understand concepts to feel more comfortable answering questions.
