Sher Ali Hashimi
Introduction and purpose
Preparation for the FRCOphth Part 1 (Part 1) examination requires mastery of a broad syllabus alongside the ability to apply knowledge efficiently under examination conditions. FRCOphth Part 1: 400 SBAs and CRQs authored by Drs Nikki Hall and Robert Peden was developed in response to these demands, with an explicit focus on question-based learning as a high-yield revision strategy. The second edition refines this approach further, presenting a structured and portable question bank designed to support candidates in consolidating knowledge, identifying gaps, and developing examination technique.
Structure and content
The book contains 400 questions, comprising single best answer (SBA) questions alongside constructed response questions (CRQs). The material is organised to mirror past Part 1 examination-style progression, with SBAs followed by CRQs within each chapter. Early chapters group questions by subject to facilitate focused study, while the final chapter is unstructured and can be used as a comprehensive mock examination.
The authors state that questions are deliberately skewed towards the more challenging end of the spectrum. This approach exposes candidates to conceptually demanding material during revision, with the intention that the actual examination feels more manageable by comparison.
Educational value and pedagogical approach
The book adopts a clear active-recall philosophy, emphasising repeated engagement with high-quality questions as the most effective means of preparation. The SBAs are carefully constructed, with plausible distractors that reward attention to detail and discourage superficial pattern recognition. This reflects the official examination design and encourages candidates to refine both knowledge and technique.
A notable feature of the book is the inclusion of CRQs. Although CRQs are no longer a formal component of the current Part 1 examination, their inclusion remains educationally valuable. These questions are typically clinically oriented and frequently incorporate diagrams, ray tracings, or investigative data. Used in this context, they support deeper conceptual understanding, encourage structured reasoning, and consolidate material that underpins SBA performance. Rather than functioning as direct exam rehearsal, the CRQs serve as a learning and consolidation tool.
Explanations are concise and purposeful, providing clear justification for correct answers and highlighting common areas of misunderstanding. Diagrams and tables are well drawn and used effectively, particularly in optics and anatomy, where visual reinforcement is essential. The authors appropriately recommend background reading from standard textbooks, reinforcing the role of the book as a supplement rather than a replacement for core learning resources.
Personal experience and practical utility
In my own preparation for the Part 1 examination, I employed this book early in the revision process. Its portability made it easy to integrate into day-to-day study, and the engaging question style, combined with clear and concise explanations, facilitated my establishment of a baseline level of knowledge. This allowed subsequent reading to be more targeted and efficient. Admittedly, much of the highly specialised knowledge was not simply revision and required extensive further reading.
I deliberately saved the unstructured mock examination for later in the revision period, where it functioned well as a test of examination technique and confidence. The diagrams throughout the book are clear and well designed, reinforcing complex spatial and optical concepts.
However, aligning with the authors, I would recommend this book to those further along who are seeking additional consolidation through high-quality practice questions. As with standard texts such as Elkington and Frank, alongside online videos and question banks, this resource worked best as part of a multimodal revision strategy, supporting and enhancing learning rather than acting as a standalone study source.
Strengths and limitations
The principal strengths of this book lie in the quality of its SBA questions, the clarity of its explanations, and the effective use of diagrams to reinforce difficult concepts. The structured progression from subject-based chapters to a full mock examination allows flexible use throughout the revision period, and the deliberate inclusion of challenging material promotes robust preparation.
A key limitation is that constructed response questions are no longer included in the current Part 1 examination format, which may reduce their perceived relevance for candidates focused solely on exam simulation. However, when used appropriately, these questions retain significant educational value by consolidating understanding and reinforcing the principles that promote successful SBA performance. As with many question-based resources, the book assumes a baseline familiarity with ophthalmic concepts and is therefore less suitable as a sole introductory text.
Conclusion
FRCOphth Part 1: 400 SBAs and CRQs is a well-designed, exam-focused revision resource authored by UK consultant ophthalmologists with strong academic and teaching credentials. Its emphasis on high-quality questions, clear explanations, and challenging material makes it a valuable adjunct to standard textbooks and other learning modalities. When used as part of a broader revision strategy, it offers strong educational benefit and remains a worthwhile resource for candidates preparing for the FRCOphth Part 1 examination.
References
- Hall HN, Peden RG. FRCOphth Part 1: 400 SBAs and CRQs. 2nd ed. London: CRC Press; 2023.
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists. FRCOphth Part 1 examination regulations and syllabus. London: RCOphth; latest edition.
- Elkington AR, Frank HJ. Clinical Optics. 4th ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell; 2015.