Test 39
(Matching Paper: Retina)
In response to considerable discussion the Examinations Committee of the College has decided to update the format of the Part 3 MRCOphth Examination from April, 2003.
An extended matching paper will replace the existing MCQs and they will be no negative marking. The test will probably be easier than the previous format. To familiarize the candidates with the new formats, test 34 and onward will follow the new style as described below by the College.
 
40 questions over a 3-hour period.
The questions will be divided as follows.
  • 5 pathology questions
  • 5 microbiology questions
  • 15 general ophthalmology questions
  • 15 Medicine and Neurology in relation to ophthalmology
Extended matching questions are multiple choice items organized into sets that use one list of items in the set. The extended matching set includes four components 
    1. a theme 
    2. an option list 
    3. a lead in statement 
    4. at least four item stems, as illustrated below 
This will involve 40 questions (probably 200 stems) over a period of 3 hours.

1. Match the fluorescein angiographies (a-d ) with the most likely options (A-N) listed below:
 
A. background diabetic retinopathy with 
     significant macular oedema
B. background diabetic retinopathy with
     microaneurysms
C. proliferative diabetic retinopathy 
D. proliferative diabetic retinopathy with
     vitreous haemorrhage
E.  angioid streaks
F.  sickle cell retinopathy
G. subfoveal choroidal neovascularization
     in age-related macular degeneration
H. juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization
     in age-related macular degeneration
I.  extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization
     in age-related macular degeneration
J.  central serous retinopathy
K. macroaneurysms
L.  post-operative cystoid macular oedema
M. branch retinal vein occlusion
N.  central retinal vein occlusion
 
a.


 
b.


 

c.

d.


2. Match the following findings (a-d) with the studies (A-L) listed below. 
 

A. DCCT
B. BVOS
C. CVOS
D. UKPDS
E. MPS
F.  TAP
G.  ETDRS
H.  DRVS
I.   AERDS
J.   OHTS
K.  DRS
L.  EVS
 
a. This study showed that focal argon laser photocoagulation reduced visual loss in
patients with macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion and a vision 
of 6/12 (20/40) or worse .


 

b. This study showed there was no difference in outcome between immediate 
vitrectomy and intraocular antibiotics alone if the initial vision was hand motions 
or better.


 

c.  This study showed that an intake of vitamin C and E, carotene and zinc protect the
progression of moderate age-related macular degeneration to advanced macular 
degeneration.


 

d.  This study showed that the treatment of predominantly classic CNVMs in wet 
age-related macular degeneration with photodynamic therapy (PDT) reduced the risk
of losing three or more lines of vision.

 
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