1. Give adequate time to each question in the paper.  A common mistake is to find one or two questions in the paper which the candidate knows well and over which he/she devotes too much time. The result is an inadequate answer to the remaining questions. The best approach is to place a watch on the desk and allocate a definite time for summaries (answer plan) and a specified time to each question and keep a constant watch on the time)

2. When the paper is received each question should be read over several times and a plan jotted down before the writing starts. an essay written without a plan tends to wander and can lose marks for organization and coherence

3. Understand the meaning of the questions. This may seem superfluous, but under the stress of examination this is not uncommon. For example, candidate has been known to waste valuable time writing Lebers optic atrophy when the questions was about Lebers amauorosis. Also avoid writing essay if the questions asked for short answers.

    There are certain terms which occur regularly in the essay paper and its is wise to consider their meanings. These include
 

• Discuss the diagnosis and management of A. The question assumed that the patient is a typical case of A. The answer should include the history, symptoms, signs and results of investigation which one would expect to find in a patient with the disease or condition mentioned. Treatment forms the last part of the essay and can often be divided into medical or surgical.

For example: Discuss the diagnosis and management of a patient with a postoperative intraocular infection
 
• Discuss the differential diagnosis of B.The salient clinical features of the disease B may be mentioned briefly, but the main part of the questions should concern with the conditions which must be distinguished from B. A classification is much more valuable than a mere list.

For example: Discuss the differential diagnosis of intermittent pain behind the left eye of two years' duration in lady aged 70 years.
 
• Discuss the indications for C. This usually refers to treatment. When considering these indication, the reasons for treatment should be given - with appropriate example rather than a list of the various conditions for which the treatment might be considered.

For example: What are the indications for iridectomy? Outline the techniques and comment on the possible side effects.

• How would you investigate a case of D? This question assumes that the patient is suffering from the condition mentioned. The investigation is conducted on clinical lines, ie.history, symptoms, physical sings and accessory investigation, mentioning under each heading the various points which one would expect to find in the case under review

For example: How would you investigate and treat a patient with a shallow anterior chamber following intraocular surgery?

• Discuss the clinical features of E. The answer to such should deal chiefly with the symptoms for which the patient would probably complain and the signs which would be found on examining a typical case. Laboratory or radiological investigation merely require mentioning.

For example: Describe the clinical features of neurofibromatosis with particular reference to the ophthalmic and intracranial manifestations

• Discuss the pathology of F. Although the causes of the condition may be mentioned briefly, the essential part of the answer should concern the pathological changes which occur in the condition of F. Consideration for the pathology according to the anatomical structures help to simplify the answer.

For example: Describe the pathology of tumours arising in the lacrimal gland and briefly summarize their management
 
• Discuss the complications which may follow G. The complications can either considered in their chronological order or from an anatomical standpoint

For example: Discuss the indications for radiotherapy in ophthalmic practice. What complications may occur?

5. Read the answer when finished to correct any slips or punctuation

If the above techniques were adopted, the final appearance of the essay will be significantly improved.

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