MRCSI (Ophth) Written study plan
MRCSI (Ophth) Written · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 8 hours per week
Ophthalmology
Map the Ophthalmology syllabus into a personal checklist covering optics, cornea, lens, retina, glaucoma, uveitis, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, paediatric and strabismus
Define and write out normal ocular anatomy and physiology from memory for each subspecialty area
Build a spaced-repetition deck seeded with core ophthalmic terminology and definitions
Complete a baseline self-assessment across Ophthalmology topics and record weak areas
Your checkpoint
A written syllabus checklist with each subtopic rated red/amber/green plus a dated weak-area list
Ophthalmology
Explain the optics of the eye and correct refractive error concepts without notes
Describe the anatomy and pathology of the cornea and anterior segment
Interpret basic visual field and OCT patterns in common conditions
Summarise the classification and management principles of glaucoma
Your checkpoint
A one-page summary sheet per anterior segment and glaucoma topic, self-tested by recall
Ophthalmology
Outline retinal vascular and macular disease presentations and management principles
Explain lens pathology including cataract grading and surgical indications
Describe uveitis classification, workup and treatment principles
Practise interpreting clinical vignettes in retina and uveitis under timed conditions
Your checkpoint
Twenty timed vignette questions answered with a written rationale for each
Ophthalmology
Explain neuro-ophthalmology including pupillary, optic nerve and cranial nerve pathways
Describe strabismus and paediatric ophthalmology assessment principles
Outline oculoplastic and orbital disease presentations
Consolidate ocular emergencies and their immediate management
Your checkpoint
A completed Ophthalmology mock paper with all errors reviewed and logged
General Surgery
Map the General Surgery syllabus into a personal checklist by system and topic
Define principles of wound healing, surgical infection and asepsis
Explain fluid, electrolyte and perioperative management principles
Describe the assessment and management of acute abdominal pain
Your checkpoint
A written syllabus checklist with red/amber/green ratings plus a one-page perioperative principles summary
General Surgery
Outline general surgery topics by system including upper GI, colorectal, hepatobiliary and breast
Explain vascular surgery presentations including arterial and venous disease
Describe urological and endocrine surgical conditions and their management principles
Summarise trauma and orthopaedic principles relevant to general surgery
Your checkpoint
System-by-system summary sheets with self-test recall checks completed
Ophthalmology & General Surgery
Answer mixed-domain questions under exam timing conditions
Review all logged errors and convert them into spaced-repetition cards
Re-rate the syllabus checklists and identify remaining red areas
Practise structured written answer technique on high-yield topics
Your checkpoint
A full mixed mock paper completed with a consolidated error log and updated checklist ratings
Ophthalmology & General Surgery
Target remaining red-rated topics in both domains and close each gap
Complete a final timed mock in each domain
Rehearse rapid recall of key definitions, classifications and management principles
Finalise a concise revision sheet for exam-day review
Your checkpoint
Two completed final mocks with scores recorded and a one-page exam-day revision sheet