Preparing for theFRCS Glasgow Part 3exam is a transformative journey for any ophthalmologist. Reflecting on my recent experience in September 2024, I’ve gathered insights and strategies that I hope will guide aspirants in their preparation and instil confidence as they approach this milestone.

The Toughest Challenge

"It’s not the exam which is tough; it is the stage of life at which you give the exam that makes it tougher."

Balancing clinical responsibilities, personal commitments, and rigorous study during this stage requires immense perseverance. Keeping this in mind, preparation must begin with structured plans and unwavering focus.

Hindsight: Lessons Learned

Preparation for the FRCS Part 3 Clinical Examination begins not months butfrom day one of your postgraduate ophthalmology training. Developing a methodical approach to patient care early in your career ensures that exam preparation aligns seamlessly with daily practice.

Master examination techniques during training—this will give you a longer time frame to integrate them into your clinical practice. When the exam finally arrives, it will feel less daunting and more like a natural progression.

Understanding the Exam Philosophy

The FRCS Glasgow Part 3 is not just a test of knowledge but also your ability to handle stress, make sound clinical decisions, and demonstrate compassion toward patients. The examiners assess:

• Your ability to be asafe doctor.
• Your competency inroutine and emergency clinical scenarios.
• Your understanding oflife-threatening, vision-threatening, and cosmetic conditions.

Key Preparation Tips

1. Study Smart, Not Just Hard
   • Utilize key resources:
     • Kanski's Clinical Ophthalmology: Irreplaceable
     • Practical Guide to VIVA and OSCEby Dr. Tein Yin Wong
     • Dr. Chua’s Clinical Exam Techniques
     • Dr Chua’s website for clinical exam videos
     • Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine: Emergency section
     • Past candidates’ experiences.
2. Clinical Skills Are Key
   • Practice examination techniques thoroughly.
   • Learn to verbalize your thought process during clinical discussions.
3. Master Non-Verbal Communication
   • Greet examiners and patients.
   • Maintain eye contact—it reflects confidence and empathy.
4. Manage Your Stress
   • Stay composed, even after a challenging station. If it’s difficult for you, it’s likely the same for others.

Exam Structure: OSCE and Clinical Stations

OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

• Three Stations:
  1. Anterior Segment and Oculoplasty
  2. Posterior Segment and Glaucoma
  3. Neuro-ophthalmology, Squint, and Emergency Medicine

Clinical Exam

• Four Stations:
  1. Anterior Segment and Glaucoma,
  2. Posterior Segment,
  3. Oculoplasty,
  4. Neuro-ophthalmology/Squint.

Cases or topics asked in OSCE/Clinical exam are based on routine ophthalmology cases you would see in your everyday OPD.

Do’s and Don’ts for Success

• Before the Exam: Stay calm, interact with invigilators, and reduce stress. Don’t discuss or try to find out the OSCE scenarios and cases asked in the previous sessions, they are likely to have changed it for your session.
• During the Exam: Greet examiners, maintain eye contact, and communicate compassionately with patients.
• When Stuck: Ask for questions to be repeated if unclear and don’t hesitate to say, “I don’t know.”

Handling patients with respect and asking for permissions during evaluations reflects professionalism—a key aspect evaluated by examiners.

Key Takeaways

1. Begin mastering clinical techniques early in your ophthalmology journey.
2. Focus on verbalizing your thought process during the exam.
3. Even if a station feels tough, stay composed—it’s likely challenging for others too

Final Thoughts

Preparation for FRCS is as much about clinical competence as it is about calmness, compassion, and communication. Every step in your postgraduate training contributes to success in this exam.

Best Wishes to All Aspirants!