Candidate 59
Date:  March 2006
Centre: Singapore
Passed
 
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Day 1 (Morning)
MCQs are standard. Last five questions on statistic, epidemiology, clinical audit, non-parametric tests.
There are two ways you can approach MCQs, either you did +/-280 or just +/-180 questions. Out of all candidates, half of us used a different method. Passing rate for MCQs were 90%. I did 280. About the past year Qs, my friend noticed 40-50% repeat from the past year. ( I don't know their resources, i am using Chua's Website and Books, about 20-30%, a few questions appeared exactly the same. So do spend some time in this website:)

Day 1( Afternoon)
OSEs were quite easy. 

1) An old Focimeter with an old spec on it. We had 5 minutes to identify the power and transpose it. R:
-6.5DS  L: -7.5/+3.5x90 

2) A scan: wave front print out showing A constant of 118, aiming for emmetrope, which power will you choose? If PC ruptured during operation, A is now 115.4, what is the new lens power?

3) CT scan. 2 different pictures showing two pathology. I think there are hydrocephalus and meningioma.

4) CTscan. Pontine angle tumour. What are the clinical signs?

5) Hess Chart: R third nerve palsy

6) Amsler: Chart 1,2 and 3 were shown in different order. Which chart will you show to your patient
first? What are the uses and specific diseases that can be detected by chart 2,3?

7) B-scan: Identify the structures. Cornea and iris showing angle closure glaucoma.

8)Exophthalmometer: What are the other divices can be use to measure proptosis?

Day 1 (Evening!): VIVA

The questions were not exceptionally difficult but the requirement was very high. I was asked about the wavefront analyser for measuring the axial length, cornea thickness, aphakic spec correction, Pachymeter. The other examiner asked me to draw the angle structures and show him how is the aqueous formed and exit? Draw the gonioscopic angle structure and name them one by
one. Draw the gonioscopy lens light diagram. Draw the BIO light diagram, Pinhole principles etc.
(We are examined by a pair of examiners. Each of them takes turn to ask Qs while the other examiner was giving marks.)

Day 2 (Morning): Clinical Refraction.
I am so grateful that I got a very helpful medical student. We were asked to show how to use Maddox Rod, Maddox wing, RAF etc. My patient is R: -7.5/1.0x170 L: -7.5/0.75x10. Exophoria 20” The exam room set up was fantastic! I was even appointed a nurse to help me to control the lighting! 
We were given a nice lens set, a lens rack, a retinoscope, cross cyl 0.25, 0.5, 1.0. Snellen chart
is the projector type!
 

Day 2 (Afternoon) Clinical Examination.

I was examined by two 'good' examiners (not the usual bad cop good cop type as in MRCP), there are very encouraging. I was shown Macula hole (grade 4), Pseudoptosis secondary to dermatochalasis, Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome, ARMD, RD with buckle, Exotropia (NPL eye), Horner syndrome, Retinitis Pigmentosa and L homonymous hemianopia. No causes asked, just to identify the lesions/findings then moved on.

(As many as 30 patients willing to come to let us examine them!(wish i can let them know how grateful i
am for them to come) Though there are only twelve candidates. Passing rate was 50% including all Singaporean candidates.  Special thanks also to Dr. Clement and all his staffs)

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