ICO Clinical Ophthalmology (Advanced) study plan

Map the full ICO Clinical Ophthalmology (Advanced) syllabus into a personal topic checklist, tagging each item by confidence level so weak areas are visible from day one

Build a spaced-repetition deck covering optics, refraction, and basic optical principles, writing each card from your own notes rather than copying text

Complete a timed 20-question baseline set on optics and refraction and log every wrong answer with the underlying concept it tested

Draft a one-page optics formula sheet (vergence, lens power, accommodation, refractive error correction) from memory, then correct it against references

Explain the anatomy and physiology of the cornea, conjunctiva, and ocular surface in your own words, linking each structure to its clinical failure modes

Work through dry eye disease and ocular surface inflammation: classify causes, describe diagnostic tests, and outline stepped management

Compare corneal dystrophies, degenerations, and ectatic disorders by inheritance, signs, and management, producing a comparison table

Review corneal ulcer and keratitis management, including when to culture, when to refer, and which antimicrobial choices fit which presentation

Outline lens anatomy, the classification of cataract, and the indications and timing for surgery

Describe biometry, intraocular lens power calculation, and the sources of refractive surprise after cataract surgery

Summarize phacoemulsification steps, common intraoperative complications, and their immediate management

Explain paediatric cataract and lens subluxation causes, including systemic associations worth screening for

Describe glaucoma pathophysiology, optic nerve head assessment, and the interpretation of visual field testing patterns

Compare open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma in presentation, investigation, and treatment escalation

List the mechanisms and management of secondary glaucomas, including neovascular, pigmentary, pseudoexfoliative, and steroid-induced

Rehearse acute angle-closure management as a stepwise emergency sequence and identify the errors that worsen outcomes

Explain retinal anatomy, the retinal vasculature, and the interpretation of fluorescein angiography and OCT findings

Describe diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema staging, screening intervals, and treatment thresholds

Compare retinal vascular occlusions, including risk factors, presentation, and evidence-based management

Summarize retinal detachment types, vitreoretinal interface disease, and the principles and complications of vitrectomy

Review uveitis classification by anatomy, onset, and granulomatous features, and match each pattern to likely systemic associations

Outline the workup of a first episode of uveitis and the indications for systemic immunosuppression

Describe common infectious uveitides and their treatment principles, distinguishing them from autoimmune causes

Summarize scleritis and episcleritis differentiation and the urgency of necrotizing disease

Cover neuro-ophthalmology essentials: optic neuritis, ischaemic optic neuropathy, papilloedema, and pupil abnormalities

Explain strabismus and amblyopia assessment, including cover testing, sensory testing, and paediatric management principles

Summarize oculoplastic and orbital topics: eyelid lesions, ptosis, orbital cellulitis, and thyroid eye disease

Review ocular trauma and emergency ophthalmology as prioritised action sequences for chemical injury, open globe, and retinal artery occlusion

Consolidate all weak-flagged topics from weeks 1 to 7 into a final revision list and close each gap with targeted reading

Complete two full-length timed mock exams under exam conditions and record scores by subtopic

Re-derive key formulas, classifications, and management algorithms from blank paper without notes

Finalise a one-page pre-exam summary sheet containing only the facts you repeatedly missed