Welcome to the ICO Basic Sciences Study Notes from Eye Notes! These notes cover the basic and clinical sciences you need for the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) examinations in Visual Sciences (Part A) and Optics, Refraction and Instruments (Part B).

## The exams

Exam	Format	Topics
Part A: Visual Sciences	120 single-best-answer questions in 3 hours	Anatomy, embryology, neuro-anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and cell biology, pharmacology, genetics, pathology, microbiology, epidemiology and statistics
Part B: Optics, Refraction and Instruments	60 single-best-answer questions in 1.5 hours	Optics, refraction, and the design and use of ophthalmic instruments

Every question has four options, with one best answer
Check the ICO website for current exam dates, fees and regulations, which can change

## How the notes are organised

The categories follow the ICO syllabus: the Part A sciences first, then Optics, Refraction and Instruments for Part B
Use the search bar to go straight to a topic
The optics, refraction and statistics notes include worked examples for each formula. Part B has many calculation questions, so work through these yourself rather than just reading them
The notes are written for an international audience: visual impairment uses the WHO ICD-11 categories, and global eye health uses WHO and Global Burden of Disease figures

Key concepts and clinical correlates are highlighted in coloured boxes throughout the notes:

Common exam topics that you should make a note to remember.

Highlights information that has relevance to clinical practice.

Highlights other key points, or reminds you of information covered elsewhere.

## Sample notes

Two notes are free to read, so you can see the style before subscribing: Prisms (Part B) and Diagnostic Tests and Screening (Part A)

#### Disclaimer

Eye Notes is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Council of Ophthalmology. We make every effort to ensure the information on Eye Notes is correct, but we cannot guarantee it is 100% accurate: please use the feedback form to report any errors you find. Your exam performance depends on many factors, but we hope Eye Notes helps your preparation.