10 Pearls to Prepare for Success on the OKAP Exam

By Purnima S. Patel, MD

The Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) examination causes much anxiety each year for ophthalmology residents. But, with proper preparation and planning, residents can significantly reduce stress and increase performance. Below, are 10 pearls for success on your OKAP exam:

1. Have a plan and stick to it.

Reduce anxiety with a well-constructed, attainable study plan. Create a schedule where topics that you understand better are covered first, and those that are more challenging are saved for closer to the OKAP exam date. For topics that are more of a challenge for you, designate and appropriate reasonable amounts of time to study these and grasp the concepts. Make every effort to stay on schedule, but make sure to include time to catch up.

2. Utilize review resources.

The Basic Clinical and Science Course (BCSC) is the foundation for OKAP studying; however, other review materials can help cover topics in a more concise manner. Review of Ophthalmology by Friedman et al. is a good resource. You can fill-in notes in the review book while you are studying from the BCSC or when you go to review sessions so you have a compact book to review as you approach the exam.

3. Complete lots of questions throughout your studying.

Questions are important in assessing your progress and comprehension while you are studying, but they also help build test taking skills. Do not wait until the end for all the questions. I recommend answering questions in Review Questions in Ophthalmology: A Question and Answer Book by Chern and Wright after you complete each subject. Save the BCSC questions for closer to the OKAP exam. Dedicate more time towards the test date to complete more questions. In addition, it is helpful to read the explanation to the answers, in order to learn why your answer is right or wrong.

4. Leave time in your schedule to cram 1-2 weeks before the OKAP exam.

No matter how prepared you are, you will always want to cram. Planned cramming will reduce the anxiety associated with the cramming. Save questions to complete, especially in more challenging areas. Look through pictures in the pathology book, and review any study sheets or tables you may have made, especially optics formulas.

5. Do not ignore optics.

Remember, your faculty will be much more lenient on your optics score compared to any other topic, so do not obsess over it, but do not ignore it either. Last Minute Optics: A Concise Review of Optics, Refraction and Contact Lenses by Hunter and West is a good, quick resource. Dr. Guyton’s review book is also helpful, but takes longer to get through. The BCSC optics book can be confusing and overwhelming. Save your optics studying for closer to the exam so you do not get overwhelmed early in your studying and so you remember the formulas.

6. Review pictures.

The OKAP exam has a lot of pictures, so incorporate reviewing pictures into your preparations. The pictures in the Pathology BCSC book are an absolute must in the cram schedule. The Red Atlas at www.redatlas.org is also an excellent resource to quickly review color photos.

7. Use your co-resident and upper levels for motivation and tips.

You can make efficient use of your time by arranging to meet with other residents before or after clinic, or during lunch for scheduled weekly quick reviews. Each resident can be assigned to a topic and lead a review or you could participate in a question and answer session. Ask your upper levels for studying advice and which topics are more high-yield.

8. Make the best of review sessions or review courses.

Most residency programs have some OKAP review sessions. These review sessions do not obviate the need for self-study. Study before-hand and have questions ready in order to get the most out of the reviews

9. Have a test-taking strategy.

Remember, the OKAP exam is not just about your ophthalmic knowledge but also about your test-taking abilities. Most people have plenty of time to finish as long as they pace themselves. I recommend writing down the optics formulas you can remember immediately after you open your booklet so you do not forget or confuse them. Save all the optics questions until the end so they do not slow you down.

10. Do not panic.

Stick to your plan and stay relaxed.

Good luck!