ABPS Ophthalmology study plan

Label the layers of the cornea and limbus and describe the pump-leak mechanism of corneal deturgescence

Differentiate bacterial, fungal, and viral keratitis by clinical features and state first-line management for each

Outline the workup and treatment ladder for dry eye disease and ocular surface squamous neoplasia

Explain the pathophysiology and staging of keratoconus and the role of cross-linking

Map retinal layers to their vascular supply and identify which layers are spared in CRAO versus CRVO

Distinguish exudative from nonexudative AMD and state indications for anti-VEGF therapy

Describe the classification, risk factors, and treatment options for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Outline diabetic retinopathy staging and the timing of laser versus anti-VEGF intervention

Summarize retinopathy of prematurity screening criteria and treatment thresholds

Sequence the steps of phacoemulsification and name the complication associated with each step

Compare IOL options by material, optic design, and indication

Classify glaucoma by open versus closed angle and identify the first-line therapy for each subtype

Explain the mechanism of action and side-effect profile of prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Interpret a Humphrey visual field using the glaucoma hemifield test and pattern deviation

Trace the visual pathway and localize lesions by the pattern of visual field loss

Differentiate optic neuritis, AION, and papilledema by presentation and workup

Identify the cranial nerves controlling extraocular motility and map pupil-involving third nerve palsy to its likely cause

Outline the evaluation of proptosis and distinguish thyroid eye disease from orbital cellulitis

Describe the surgical anatomy relevant to ptosis repair, ectropion, and dacryocystorhinostomy

Apply amblyopia treatment principles and state the indications and timing for strabismus surgery

Distinguish comitant from incomitant strabismus and perform a basic cover-uncover interpretation

Classify uveitis by anatomic location and identify the systemic associations of each pattern

Outline the stepwise use of topical, regional, and systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppression in uveitis

Describe the red flags that separate infectious from noninfectious uveitis

Differentiate benign from malignant pigmented and nonpigmented conjunctival and intraocular lesions

Describe the histopathologic features and metastatic risk of uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma

Calculate spherical equivalent and identify the optical principles behind myopia and hyperopia correction

Compare low-vision aids by indication and match magnification strategy to task

Re-review the highest-yield corneal emergencies and retinal vascular occlusions using spaced repetition

Re-derive glaucoma medication mechanisms and surgical indications from memory

Complete timed question sets weighted toward the three heaviest domains

Identify and log every recurring error by domain

Sweep the lighter domains with rapid recall drills on cataract, neuro, oculoplastics, pediatric, uveitis, oncology, and optics

Re-test all logged errors from week 7 and confirm durable correction

Simulate exam timing with a full-length mixed practice set

Consolidate a one-page high-yield summary per domain