Tips & suggestions

1. Tips & suggestions Examination Theory and Practical Dr. Anil Kulkarni, MS. Miraj

2. Theory Paper • Clean and neat front page • Only official entry • [ do not write something like shree , somebody prasanna, tribute to your parents or some deity etc.] • No instructions to examiners • [ like my answer starts on next page, question no. 4 is written before Q.no.3 etc.]

3. Do not waste paper space • Leave small but clear left and right margins • Good and legible handwriting has no substitute. No examiner is interested in deciphering the illegible words or sentences. • No double spacing but no crowding of the letters and lines either.

4. Use coloured pencils or pens to underline points of importance • Draw diagrams wherever possible • Line diagrams are also welcome • One picture is worth many lines and paragraphs

5. The full text is not read but few paragraphs will be read as cluster samples. • Direct the examiner to the crux of the matter by highlighting the same either by underline, colour or inverted commas etc. • Do not highlight same words or similar phrases • If possible write some things, outside the purview of routine text books and give reference for it.

6. Length of the answer should be proportionate to the marks allotted. • Answer to Full question in half page or short note answer in 3 pages are irritants. • Do not write same things for lengthening the answer • If you really do not know the details required , add some relevant or related details. e.g.in a short note on Marphan’s syndrome , d/d of subluxated lenses and its management can be included.

7. If the answer is short ; give a impression of decent size of answer • space the words , • increase the size of letters , • increase margins slightly, • Put down some line diagrams in middle

8. If the answer threatens to be too long • Reduce margin space • Omit descriptions and convert them to points • Number the points to highlight and direct the examiner to skip the details

9. Always start answer to full question on fresh page • Short notes may start on same page provided decent space is kept after the earlier note • Do not write bare points [ write at least a line to explain or expand ]

10. Aetiology Aetiopathogenesis, Symptoms, Clinical signs, Differential diagnosis , Investigations: non invasive followed by invasive, Management : medical followed by surgical, Contra indications for management, Complications of the disease, Sequele , Newer concepts or Research etc All answers should follow a standard pattern e.g. in a disease like Anterior uveitis / AION

11. All answers should follow a standard pattern e.g. in a surgical procedure like SICS / non penetrating Glaucoma surgery • Origin or invention • History of persons responsible : original &/or modifications • Details • Significance • Advantages and disadvantages • Results and comparisons with alternatives • Future directions or modifications expected or in process.

12. All answers should follow a standard pattern e.g. in a clinical entity like Diabetic Retinopathy / Entropion • Definition • Aetiopathogenesis • Classification • Clinical signs and symptoms • Investigations • Management • Research and future projections

13. Do not overwrite • Scratch unwanted words with single line and write again • Check for the spellings and grammar • Poor English will diminish your brilliant subject knowledge

14. Label the question numbers correctly • It is a safe practice to write the question itself before you start the answer • Write the number of short note as it appears in question paper. e.g. short note no.2 papillitis :

15. Presentation of your paper is also important • Contents will fetch more marks provided examiner maintains interest to go through them • Beauty is skin deep but still is admired and appreciated more .

16. Practicals • Be presentable • Applies equally to both sexes. • Show more confidence on your face than you feel • Do not cry or expect sympathy, it is temporary

17. Wear your apron and display the roll no. prominently • Carry all necessary accessories including pen, pencils, 90 D lens, loupe, scale, torch, ophthalmoscope etc. • Ask for necessary things like cotton, Fl. Strips, strips for schirmer’s test etc. • Slit lamp exam, IDO, 90 D exam etc are not investigations but part of routine examination

18. Examine the patient with respect due to elderly person • Ask his / her permission before you start the examination • Introduce yourself and tell briefly what you plan to do • Earn his co operation [ un cooperative patient is your failure and is held against you ]

19. A set pattern for history taking may need modifications as you continue your examination • Keep flexibility in adding positive and negative history • Any leading question should have relevant explanation to back the query • Negative history is equally important to point to a certain diagnosis

20. History and complaints need to be selective for the relevance to the present case. • [ unrelated history and complaints may be ignored if you have come to a proper and justifiable relevant conclusion ] • History and complaints’ presentation should be chronological

21. Record all signs truthfully • Try to fit the diagnosis related to the signs • Do not fit signs or modify them to suit your diagnosis • Your thought process leading to the diagnosis is more important. • Reason out the points for and against a particular diagnosis

22. Do not rush to a complete or pathological diagnosis • Clinical diagnosis and its differential diagnosis is more logical • Write a complete plan for investigations and management on your paper • Do not read from the paper but keep it as reference

23. Detail and coloured diagram of the condition is desirable • Use standard colour codes • Label the diagram completely & correctly • In case of poor presentation , this will help

24. Do not argue with the examiner more than necessary • You may disagree but don’t appear rude or overconfident. • Normally you are given hints and not wrong leads. • Examiners are your well wishers. • Try to accept the clues and logically modify your answers.

25. Give complete answers • Prompting by the examiner and short answers put together give a feeling of answering more questions but carry less marks. • Examiners want to know what you know, not discuss about what you do not ! • Give them a break and give them clues for the topics you know.

26. Do not quote some reference out of context to support your answer against a comment made by the examiner • Some procedures may be outdated but carry some significance. Acknowledge it ! • Ask for a break if you want to recollect your thoughts and feel confused. • Be frank if you do not know the answer so that some other topic can be discussed [ which hopefully you will be able to answer ]

27. It is usually easy to pass the examination • It is difficult to fail unless you really try for it • Everybody wishes you good luck , utilize it for the best of your presentation • Spare the examiner from frustration by making the use of teaching programmes to the best of your abilities.

28. My special thanks to the organisers of this revision course eye to eye & • Dr. M M Joshi and his entire team for a wonderful event and a memorable stay at Hubl, the second home to many faculty members.