COMT study materials
COMT study resources

COMT study plan

COMT · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology

  • Label the structures of the globe, adnexa, orbit, and lacrimal system on a blank diagram from memory

  • Trace aqueous humor production, flow, and outflow and describe tear film layers and production

  • Identify each extraocular muscle with its origin, insertion, action, and cranial nerve innervation

  • Map the afferent and efferent visual pathways and predict the field defect produced by a given lesion

Your checkpoint

A hand-drawn anatomy atlas of 40 labeled structures plus a closed-book self-quiz scored at 80% or higher

Week 2

Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology

  • Distinguish benign from malignant eyelid and conjunctival lesions using clinical descriptors

  • Describe hallmark slit-lamp findings for cataract, glaucoma, uveitis, and corneal dystrophies

  • Correlate retinal and macular disorders (AMD, diabetic retinopathy, detachment) with characteristic exam findings

  • Match 40 ophthalmic conditions to the diagnostic test that confirms them and the standard management

Your checkpoint

A condition-to-finding matrix covering 40 diseases, self-tested to 85% recall

Week 3

Optics, Refractometry, and Contact Lenses

  • Calculate spherical equivalent, vertex-distance compensation, and induced prism using Prentice's rule

  • Neutralize spectacle lenses with a lensometer and verify prescription against a written order

  • Explain retinoscopy technique and interpret with-the-rule versus against-the-rule findings

  • Apply keratometry readings and IOL power calculation principles to worked scenarios

Your checkpoint

25 worked calculation problems (optics, vertex distance, prism, IOL) solved in a solutions log at 90% or better

Week 4

Optics, Refractometry, and Contact Lenses

  • Compare soft and rigid lens materials by Dk/t, water content, and replacement schedule

  • Evaluate lens fit using fluorescein pattern, centration, movement, and over-refraction findings

  • List wear complications (CLARE, microbial keratitis, GPC) with their causative factors and corrective actions

  • Complete timed practice blocks covering Domains 1 and 2

Your checkpoint

A contact lens troubleshooting flowchart plus a 60-question timed Domain 1-2 practice set scored 75% or higher

Week 5

Diagnostic Testing (Tonometry, Visual Fields, Ophthalmic Imaging, Ultrasound)

  • Compare Goldmann, Tonopen, and dynamic contour tonometry by technique, calibration, and sources of error

  • Set up automated perimetry and identify glaucomatous field defects and unreliable test indices

  • Differentiate OCT, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and ultrasound by indication and common artifact

  • Describe A-scan and B-scan probe handling, immersion technique, and image interpretation

Your checkpoint

An interpretation workbook annotating 10 visual fields, 5 OCT scans, and 3 B-scans, scored 80% or higher against the answer key

Week 6

Pharmacology and Microbiology

  • Classify topical ophthalmic agents by mechanism, indication, and key adverse effects

  • Select mydriatic and cycloplegic agents by patient age, iris color, and contraindications

  • Apply aseptic technique, instrument disinfection, and sterilization protocols to clinical scenarios

  • Identify common ocular pathogens and match them to appropriate antimicrobial classes

Your checkpoint

A 50-drug flashcard deck plus a one-page sterile technique and sterilization reference sheet, self-quizzed to 85%

Week 7

Clinical and Surgical Assisting, Patient Care, and Administrative Procedures

  • Assemble and maintain a sterile minor-surgery tray and sequence instrument passing during procedures

  • Execute a full patient history, chart documentation, and informed-consent workflow

  • Apply scheduling, coding, and medical record practices used in an ophthalmic practice

  • Recite in order the steps for common in-office procedures such as A-scan, injection assist, and suture removal

Your checkpoint

A written walkthrough of 5 procedures with instrument sequence plus a 25-question clinical assisting and administrative quiz scored 80% or higher

Week 8

Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology & Optics, Refractometry, and Contact Lenses

  • Complete two full-length timed mock exams under simulated test conditions

  • Analyze every missed item by domain and re-study the three weakest subareas

  • Recite high-yield formulas, drug classes, and visual field patterns in rapid review

  • Rehearse exam-day pacing, flagging, and educated-guessing strategy

Your checkpoint

A final full-length mock exam scored 80% or higher accompanied by a written remediation log of every missed item

Milestones

Week 2: Closed-book anatomy and pathology quiz at 80% or higher with no blank rows in the 40-condition matrix

Week 4: Domain 1-2 timed practice block at 75% or higher; adjust weekly study hours if either domain falls below that mark

Week 6: Domain 3-4 practice blocks at 75% or higher and the full drug card deck reviewed at least once

Week 8: Two full-length mocks at 80% or higher with every missed item logged and remediated before test day