COMT study plan
COMT · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
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
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
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
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
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
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%
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
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