Maharashtra HSC Ophthalmic Technician (Vocational) study plan

Label a blank diagram of the eye with cornea, sclera, uvea, lens, vitreous, retina, optic nerve and macula, and state one function for each structure

Trace the aqueous humour pathway from ciliary body to canal of Schlemm and explain how blockage raises intraocular pressure

Describe the layers of the cornea and retina in order and link each retinal layer to the cell type that sits in it

List the classic symptoms, risk factors and referral urgency for cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy

Explain accommodation and the pupillary light reflex in terms of the muscles and nerves involved

Differentiate conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis and endophthalmitis by onset, pain, discharge and vision change

Describe the appearance and management priorities of pterygium, pinguecula, stye, chalazion and ectropion

Perform and record distance visual acuity with a Snellen chart, including pin-hole and counting-fingers fallback

Demonstrate near vision testing with a Jaeger chart and record the result in the standard notation used in Indian eye camps

Identify which ocular findings in a child (white reflex, squint, watering) require same-day referral

Explain emmetropia, myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism and presbyopia using the concept of where the image falls relative to the retina

Calculate the power of a lens needed for a given focal length and convert between dioptres and focal length

Describe how a retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, slit lamp, tonometer and autorefractor are set up, held and cleaned between patients

Demonstrate safe handling, focusing and light adjustment on a slit lamp and a direct ophthalmoscope in a supervised practical

List the daily and weekly maintenance checks for each major instrument in an ophthalmic OPD

Measure and record intraocular pressure with a non-contact or applanation tonometer under supervision, noting contraindications

Perform a basic confrontation visual field test and record the result in the patient file

Describe the steps and patient instructions for A-scan biometry, keratometry and colour vision testing

Assist with a slit lamp examination by positioning the patient, adjusting magnification and documenting findings

Explain the correct technique for instilling dilating drops and the safety checks before dilation

Describe the assistant's role in cataract surgery from pre-op preparation through theatre turnover and post-op instructions

Prepare a sterile trolley and position a patient for an intravitreal injection or minor procedure

Classify common ocular drugs (mydriatics, cycloplegics, antibiotics, steroids, anti-glaucoma agents, lubricants) by action and typical use

Demonstrate the five rights of medication administration and the correct instillation technique for drops and ointment, including punctal occlusion

Identify the ocular and systemic side effects of atropine, tropicamide, timolol and topical steroids that must be reported

Demonstrate hand hygiene to WHO moments standard and correct donning and doffing of gloves in an eye OPD setting

Describe the disinfection and sterilization cycle for tonometer tips, trial lenses and surgical instruments, including high-level disinfection versus autoclave

Explain standard precautions for tear and blood exposure and the correct action after a needlestick injury

Apply the principles of informed consent, confidentiality and accurate record keeping to three realistic OPD scenarios

Write a complete patient record entry covering history, examination, diagnosis and advice in a legible, auditable format

Describe the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment structure and the role of a vision centre at district level

Explain the leading causes of preventable blindness in Maharashtra and the screening criteria for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma referral

Plan a school or village eye screening camp: checklist, staffing, referral pathway and record forms

Counsel a patient on spectacle use, diabetic eye checks and the importance of annual review, using simple language

Identify barriers to eye care access such as cost, distance, fear and gender norms, and propose one practical response to each

Complete two full-length timed mock papers under exam conditions and score each domain separately

Re-teach the three weakest domains from memory using a blank sheet and a one-minute verbal summary each

Rehearse the practical skills most likely to be examined: acuity testing, drop instillation, instrument handling and record writing

Review all flagged errors from mock papers and write a corrected fact for each one

Build a final one-page revision sheet of numbers, drug names and referral thresholds