BOCP study plan
BOCP · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Ocular Disease and Pathology
Build a one-page diagnostic map of the major ocular disease categories (cornea, uvea, retina, lens, orbit/adnexa) listing hallmark signs for each
Differentiate the classic presentations of the top inflammatory and infectious anterior segment conditions by completing 40 self-written comparison flashcards
Explain the referral urgency tier for 15 acute presentations (e.g., retinal detachment, acute angle closure, endophthalmitis) from memory
Draft a differential reasoning checklist that moves from symptom to likely diagnosis to confirmatory test
Your checkpoint
A two-page annotated disease map plus a 40-card flashcard deck covering anterior segment differentials, self-quizzed to 90% recall
Ocular Disease and Pathology & Glaucoma Evaluation and Management
Trace the pathophysiology of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and connect it to the structural and functional tests used in practice
Compare open-angle versus angle-closure mechanisms and select the appropriate first-line management approach for each
Interpret a written set of 20 visual field and optic nerve descriptions and classify them as normal, suspicious, or glaucomatous
Summarize monitoring intervals and target-pressure reasoning for low-, moderate-, and high-risk glaucoma patients
Your checkpoint
A 25-question self-authored glaucoma case quiz with written rationales, scored at 80% or better
Refraction, Optics, and Ophthalmic Dispensing
Calculate spherical equivalent, induced prism, and vertex distance compensation for 20 written prescriptions
Derive lens power and base curve decisions for high-minus, high-plus, and astigmatic corrections
Explain the optical trade-offs of lens materials, coatings, and progressive versus lined multifocals in patient-friendly language
Verify a set of 15 written spectacle orders for accuracy against optical and dispensing standards
Your checkpoint
A worked problem set of 30 optics and dispensing calculations with a one-page error log of any misses
Contact Lens Fitting and Management & Ocular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Agents
Match contact lens material and design choices to corneal topography, tear film, and lifestyle profiles for 10 written patient vignettes
Outline a troubleshooting sequence for the five most common contact lens complications and state when to discontinue wear
Build a drug class reference covering mechanism, ocular side effects, and contraindications for the major topical and systemic agents
Explain dosing, tapering, and monitoring principles for topical anti-inflammatory therapy
Your checkpoint
A combined contact lens fitting decision tree and pharmacology quick-reference sheet, each one page
Systemic Disease and Ocular Manifestations & Pediatric and Geriatric Optometry
Connect at least 12 systemic conditions to their ocular manifestations and recommended screening intervals
Differentiate pediatric vision development milestones and identify when amblyopia risk factors warrant intervention
Adapt examination technique and communication for geriatric patients with cognitive, hearing, or mobility limitations
Distinguish normal age-related ocular change from pathologic findings requiring referral
Your checkpoint
A systemic-to-ocular manifestation cross-reference table with 12 or more entries and screening recommendations
Neuro-optometry and Binocular Vision
Classify comitant versus incomitant deviations using written cover test and motility descriptions
Interpret a set of 15 written binocular vision workups and select a diagnosis plus management plan
Explain the sensory adaptations (suppression, anomalous correspondence) that shape treatment outcomes
Design a vision therapy progression for a written convergence insufficiency case
Your checkpoint
A 15-case binocular vision interpretation log with diagnosis and management rationale for each
Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation & Practice Management, Ethics, and Professional Standards
Select magnification, field expansion, and lighting strategies for 8 written low vision profiles
Explain the rehabilitation team roles and referral pathway for a patient with progressive vision loss
Apply ethical decision-making to 5 written scenarios involving scope of practice, informed consent, and referrals
Summarize record-keeping and compliance obligations relevant to optometric practice
Your checkpoint
A low vision device recommendation matrix plus written ethical analyses of 5 scenarios
Ocular Disease and Pathology & Refraction, Optics, and Ophthalmic Dispensing & Glaucoma Evaluation and Management
Re-test every missed item from weeks 1 through 7 and rewrite a corrected rationale for each
Complete two timed 100-question mixed-domain practice sets and review every error
Rank remaining weak areas by expected exam weight and build a final 72-hour review schedule
Rehearse rapid recall of high-yield disease, optics, and glaucoma facts under time pressure
Your checkpoint
A final score report across both practice sets with a prioritized weak-area remediation list
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on the self-authored glaucoma quiz and verbally explain the open-angle versus angle-closure management difference without notes
Week 4: Complete both the contact lens decision tree and pharmacology sheet, then answer 20 rapid-fire recall prompts on them at 85% accuracy
Week 6: Correctly diagnose at least 12 of 15 binocular vision cases and justify each management choice in writing
Week 8: Achieve 75% or higher on both timed mixed-domain practice sets with no single domain below 65%