ABO Ophthalmology study guide
ABO Ophthalmology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) certification examination is the written knowledge assessment that ophthalmologists complete on the path to board certification in the United States. It is aimed at residents finishing training and practicing ophthalmologists who need to demonstrate a broad, current fund of clinical knowledge. The ABO Ophthalmology study guide has 12 sections and about 2,654 words.
01Cornea and External Disease
Know the layers of the cornea and which layer each dystrophy or ulceration affects. Epithelial disease (recurrent erosion, EBMD), stromal disease (macular, granular, lattice), and endothelial disease (Fuchs, posterior polymorphous) behave differently and are tested differently.
263 words, about 1 min02Glaucoma
Separate open-angle from angle-closure disease and understand the pathophysiology of each. Know the optic nerve head signs: cupping, rim thinning, disc hemorrhage, bayoneting, and retinal nerve fiber layer loss.
246 words, about 1 min03Retina and Vitreous
Understand retinal vascular anatomy and the blood-retinal barrier. Know diabetic retinopathy staging (NPDR vs PDR) and the role of VEGF.
255 words, about 1 min04Neuro-Ophthalmology
Understand the afferent and efferent visual pathways. Know the pupil light reflex and the swinging flashlight test for relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD).
269 words, about 1 min05Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Understand visual development and the critical period for amblyopia. Know the types of amblyopia: refractive, strabismic, and deprivation.
204 words, about 1 min06Oculoplastics and Orbit
Know eyelid anatomy and the lacrimal system. Understand common eyelid lesions: chalazion, hordeolum, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sebaceous carcinoma.
211 words, about 1 min07Uveitis and Ocular Immunology
Understand the classification of uveitis by location (anterior, intermediate, posterior, panuveitis) and by cause (infectious vs noninfectious). Know the classic associations: HLA-B27 with anterior uveitis, sarcoidosis with granulomatous uveitis, toxoplasmosis with focal retinochoroiditis, and Behçet disease with hypopyon.
226 words, about 1 min08Lens and Cataract Surgery
Understand lens anatomy and cataract types: nuclear sclerotic, cortical, posterior subcapsular, and traumatic. Know indications for cataract surgery and the preoperative evaluation.
212 words, about 1 min09Refractive Surgery and Optics
Understand basic optics: refraction, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Know the principles of LASIK, PRK, and refractive lens exchange.
200 words, about 1 min10Ophthalmic Pathology and Oncology
Understand the histopathology of common ocular tumors: uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, lymphoma, and metastatic lesions. Know the clinical signs of retinoblastoma (leukocoria, strabismus) and uveal melanoma (pigmented choroidal mass, exudative detachment).
188 words, under 1 min11Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Know the major drug classes used in ophthalmology: antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, steroids, NSAIDs, glaucoma medications, and mydriatics/cycloplegics. Understand pharmacokinetics of topical drops, including punctal occlusion to reduce systemic absorption.
195 words, under 1 min12General Medicine and Perioperative Care
Understand perioperative risk assessment for ophthalmic surgery. Know the management of patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
185 words, under 1 min