Frequently Asked Questions

For any additional questions, requests, feedback, or urgent technical issues, please feel free to reach out to our team at [email protected]

OphthoGenie FAQs

General Information

1. What is OphthoGenie?
OphthoGenie is a unique, high-yield study platform designed to help ophthalmologists prepare for the American Board of Ophthalmology Oral Board Exam. It offers interactive, up-to-date clinical cases, performance tracking, and innovative testing tools to help you build confidence, knowledge, and exam readiness.

2. Who is OphthoGenie for?

  • Ophthalmology residents
  • Ophthalmology fellows
  • International medical graduates preparing for oral exams
  • Anyone looking to improve clinical reasoning in ophthalmology

3. How does OphthoGenie work?
Users work through simulated oral exam cases where they: 

  • Analyze clinical scenarios
  • Answer step-by-step questions
  • Practice verbalizing their thought process
  • Receive guided feedback and model answers

4. Does OphthoGenie simulate the real ABO oral board exam?
Yes, cases are designed to mimic the structure, pressure, and style of the ABO oral board exam.

5. What makes OphthoGenie different from other study tools?
OphthoGenie uses realistic clinical cases that simulate real exam scenarios. Unlike traditional question banks, it combines visual prompts, oral response practice, timed sessions, a live study buddy feature, and detailed performance analytics for a realistic and comprehensive study experience.

Features and Functionality

6. What are the main features of OphthoGenie?

  • Self-Testing: Create tests from the six topics tested during the ABO exam in Beginner or Advanced Mode.
  • Study Buddy: Simulate exam day by having a friend test you using screen-sync functionality.
  • Study Bank: Access all 200+ interactive cases for self-paced study.
  • Favorite Cases: Save and revisit your favorite or most challenging cases.
  • Timed Testing: Practice oral delivery within the ABO’s allotted time limits.
  • Performance Metrics: Track your progress and focus on areas that need improvement.

7. How does the test mode work?

  • Choose Beginner or Advanced mode.
  • Select single or paired topics (paired topics correspond with those on the ABO Oral Board Exam)
  • Decide how many cases to include in your test. For a single topic you can choose 2,4 or 7 cases. For paired topics you can choose 2,6,10,or 14 cases.
  • When the test starts, the first case will pop up and you’ll see a question stem and case image (if applicable). You will progress through the case with or without prompts to guide you (depending on if you chose Beginner or Advanced Mode). You can then reveal the answers using the spacebar or your mouse, and grade yourself by marking Y (Yes) or N (No) for accuracy. Results are automatically logged to your dashboard.

8. What is the difference between Beginner and Advanced Mode?

  • Beginner Mode: Ideal for early preparation or review. Provides prompts to help you focus your answer in the format required by the Ophthalmology oral boards without time constraints.
  • Advanced Mode: Timed testing that simulates the actual oral exam experience without the aid of prompts. Focused on providing the most accurate test-like experience.

9. What are the three paired topics tested by the ABO Oral Board Exam and covered by OphthoGenie?

  • Anterior Segment of the Eye & Optics, Visual Physiology and Correction of Refractive Errors
  • External Eye and Adnexa & Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
  • Neuro-Ophthalmology and Orbit & Posterior Segment of the Eye

10. Can I pause my test when I am part-way through?
No, if you exit your test your progress will not be saved. We recommend choosing a smaller number of cases if you do not think you will have time to complete the test.

11. Can I go through the cases more than once?
Yes, you can go through the cases an unlimited number of times. Each user has a one-time data reset option which will wipe all your data - this allows you to go through the cases and track your performance metrics again with a clean slate. You can reset it by going to your dashboard page and clicking the person icon in the top right. Then scroll down to the section labeled "Reset Account" and click "Wipe Data". This resets all your results stats and previously attempted tests, like restarting with a fresh new account.

12. How do I save a case as a favorite?
When you're on a case, click the star at the top of the screen (beside the OphthoGenie logo)

Packages and Pricing

13. What OphthoGenie packages are available?
OphthoGenie offers three study packages:

  • OG Trial (Free) - 3 interactive cases and performance analytics
  • OG Core - 200+ interactive cases, unlimited tests, performance analytics, Study Buddy, save favorites
  • OG Plus - everything included in OG Core + access to the Study Bank

14. What’s the difference between OG Core and OG Plus?
Both packages include all 200+ cases and full testing functionality. OG Plus also includes unrestricted access to the Study Bank, allowing you to browse and review all cases anytime outside of test mode.

15. Can I try OphthoGenie before purchasing?
Yes! The OG Trial package gives you access to 3 interactive cases and performance analytics.

Study Buddy and Community

16. How does the Study Buddy feature work?

  • The Study Buddy feature lets you invite a friend to act as your examiner. They can view your screen in real-time and mark your answers as correct or incorrect. Each user needs a computer and can either be present in the same room or connected via video or audio call.
  • The “examiner’s” screen will show the case image, question stem and answers. The “examinee’s” screen will only show the case image and question stem. When you have completed a case, the “examiner” advances to the next case.

17. Does my Study Buddy need to have an OphthoGenie subscription?
No. Once you subscribe to OG Core or OG Plus, you can invite anyone to be your Study Buddy.

18. What if I don’t have a Study Buddy?
You can find a Study Buddy through the Whats App OphthoGenie community (click the banner on your dashboard to join).

Study Bank Feature

19. What is the Study Bank?
The Study Bank is a comprehensive learning resource that provides users with access to OphthoGenie’s 200+ interactive ophthalmology cases, designed to enhance clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills.

20. What’s the difference between the Study Bank and the testing feature?
In the Study Bank, the 200+ cases are the same as what you see in the testing feature, however they are presented in a different format. In the Study Bank, you can search for cases by diagnosis and you can seek out specific cases to review (unlike the testing feature which presents cases to you in a specific order). The Study Bank also allows you to review the cases at your leisure, which is especially helpful for early studying when you don’t know enough to start testing yourself, and for your final weeks of studying when you are trying to review the specific cases you have trouble with. Cases both inside the Study Bank and testing feature are interactive.

21. How can I access the Study Bank?
Once you subscribe to OG Plus, you can access the Study Bank directly from your dashboard or the “Study Bank” section of the platform.

22. Are the cases in Study Bank interactive?
Yes. Each case is fully interactive, allowing you to make clinical decisions, interpret findings, and receive immediate feedback to reinforce learning.

23. Who can benefit from using the Study Bank?
The Study Bank is ideal for medical students, ophthalmology residents, ophthalmology fellows, and practicing clinicians studying for the ABO Ophthalmology oral boards or simply looking to strengthen their diagnostic acumen.

24. Can I track my progress using Study Bank?
No, the Study Bank is a library of cases that allows you to review cases at your own pace.

25. Do I need an internet connection to use the Study Bank?
Yes, the Study Bank is an online feature, so an active internet connection is required to access and interact with the cases.

26. I purchased OG Core but now I realize I want access to the Study Bank. Can I upgrade to OG Plus?
Yes! Just log in to your account, and head over to the Get Help page. From there, click on Upgrading from OG Core to OG Plus and follow the on-screen prompts.

Performance and Tracking

27. How are scores calculated?
After each test, you’ll be shown the correct answers and you’ll mark your answers manually as correct or incorrect. Your results are automatically logged in your dashboard and converted into performance metrics so you can track improvement over time.

28. Can I review my past test results?
Yes, all your tests, scores, and performance trends are saved in your personalized dashboard for easy reference and progress tracking.

Technical and Support

29. What devices can I use OphthoGenie on?
You can use it on your mobile phone or tablet. But keep in mind that since it’s optimized for web browsers, it runs best on a laptop or desktop.

30. Do I need an internet connection?
Yes, an active internet connection is required for accessing cases, using Study Buddy mode, and syncing your performance data.

31. How can I contact support?
For technical issues or account questions, visit the Get Help section within the application or simply email us at: [email protected]

Account Questions

32. Does Ophthogenie offer subscription extensions or flexible renewal options?
Yes. Just shoot us an email at [email protected] and we can try to help as best we can!

Ophthalmology Oral Boards FAQs

General Information

1. What is the ABO Oral Examination?
It is the second and final evaluation for board certification through the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). It is an Ophthalmology oral board exam and is a timed, case-based assessment where examiners present you with clinical scenarios called Patient Management Problems (PMPs) and ask you to verbally discuss the workup, diagnosis, and management of the patient. The exam is currently administered virtually.

2. How long is the exam?

  • The exam typically lasts around four hours and is divided into three virtual "appointments" or sections.
  • Each “appointment” consists of 14 cases and lasts 50 minutes for a total of 42 cases.

Reference: Examination Format

3. Which operating systems are supported?
The platform supports a wide range of operating systems:

  • Windows: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (Home, Pro, or Enterprise; S Mode is not supported), and Windows 11 (requires version 5.9.0 or higher).
  • macOS: macOS X 10.9 or later.
  • Linux: Ubuntu 12.04+, Mint 17.1+, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.4+, Oracle Linux 6.4+, CentOS 6.4+, Fedora 21+, OpenSUSE 13.2+, and ArchLinux (64-bit only)

Reference: Supported Operating Systems

4. Which web browser should I use?

  • Ensure your browser is updated to at least the following versions depending on your OS:
  • Windows - IE 11+, Edge 12+, Firefox 27+, Chrome 30+
  • Mac - Safari 7+, Firefox 27+, Chrome 30+
  • Linux - Firefox 27+, Chrome 30+

Reference: Supported Web Browsers

5. What are the minimum processor and RAM requirements?

  • Processor: Minimum Single Core 1Ghz.
  • Recommended: Dual Core 2Ghz or higher (Intel i3/i5/i7 or AMD equivalent).
  • RAM: 4GB is recommended.

Reference: Supported Processor and RAM

6. What specific software will be used to administer the Ophthalmology Oral Board Exam?
The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) utilizes a combination of two distinct technology platforms to host the Virtual Oral Examination (VOE):

  • Zoom App: Used exclusively for the audio, video, and breakroom movement components of your exam.
  • ABO Portal: It is a web-browser-based interface to access your custom oral exam platform link.

Reference: Oral Exam Platform

7. Which version of Zoom do I need?
You must download and install the latest version of the Zoom desktop application prior to test day. Ensure your Zoom profile name matches your first and last name exactly as they appear on your board registration.

Reference: Zoom Application

8. What topics are covered on the exam?
You will encounter cases covering six major subject areas, grouped into three “rooms” with two topics per room as below:

  • Optics, Visual Physiology, and Correction of Refractive Errors / Anterior Segment of the Eye
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus / External Eye and Adnexa
  • Neuro-Ophthalmology and Orbit / Posterior Segment of the Eye

Reference: Examination Content

9. How is my performance graded?

  1. Examiners assess your performance on each case based on three core criteria:
    Data Acquisition: How well you elicit a relevant history, perform a focused exam, and order appropriate ancillary testing (e.g., OCT, visual fields).
  2. Diagnosis: Your ability to generate a comprehensive differential diagnosis and identify the most likely diagnosis.
  3. Management: The appropriateness of your treatment plan, prognosis discussion, follow-up recommendations, and management of potential complications

Result: The final result is Pass/Fail. You do not receive any additional information such as what you answered correctly or incorrectly.
Reference: The Role of Examiners

10. What subject areas are covered in the examination?
The exam covers six core areas:

  1. Anterior Segment of the Eye
  2. Optics, Visual Physiology, and Correction of Refractive Errors
  3. External Eye and Adnexa
  4. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
  5. Neuro-Ophthalmology and Orbit
  6. Posterior Segment of the Eye

Reference: Examination Content

11. Why does the ABO require a room security check?
The brief security check serves two main purposes: it maintains the integrity of the examination and gives you an opportunity to correct any potential security issues before the test begins. It documents that your testing area is clear of unauthorized items or other individuals.

Reference: Room Check

12. When will the room check take place?
The room check is conducted at the time of your candidate check-in, just before the examination starts.

13. How do I complete the room security check?
You will be asked to do the following:

  • Use your webcam to show a 360-degree view of your testing room.
  • Share your computer desktop (if requested).
  • Open your computer's task manager (if requested) to demonstrate that no unauthorized applications or programs are running.

Reference: Room Check

14. What items are prohibited in my testing area?
Your testing area must be completely clear of:

  • Other individuals
  • Books or notes
  • Written materials
  • Unauthorized electronic devices, applications, or programs

Reference: Room Check

15. Are there breaks between the test sessions?
Yes. You will have a 10-minute break between each exam appointment, during which the host will transition you back to the main waiting room.

Reference: Room Check

16. Can I use pen and paper or check my phone during scheduled breaks?
No. For the entire duration of the examination, including break times. You are strictly prohibited from accessing electronic devices, written materials, or using pen and paper. Your computer and phone cannot be used for any purpose other than the test itself.
Reference: Room Check

17. What are the consequences of violating these security policies?
Because these policies protect the integrity of the exam, any violation is taken very seriously. Failure to comply may result in:

  • Immediate termination of your test appointment.
  • Invalidation of your examination score.
  • Permanent exclusion from the board certification process

Reference: Room Check

18. Is there any exception where I am allowed to use my phone?
Yes, but only for technical emergencies. If you experience an internet outage or a computer error, you are permitted to use your phone to call the Board Office at 610-664-1175 for technical assistance. Using your phone for any other purpose without express authorization from ABO exam personnel will result in the immediate termination of your exam.

Reference: Room Check

19. When should I expect to get my exam results?
Results will be available 6–8 weeks after the examination.

Reference: Post-Exam

Study Strategy & Approach

1. What is the single most important skill to practice for the oral boards?
Since this is the only Ophthalmology oral board exam we take in our careers, we believe verbal delivery and communication is the most important thing to practice. You have already learned the material on the exam during your training. For this exam, you need to learn how to articulate your clinical reasoning in a structured, clear, and efficient manner. We recommend reciting your standardized approach to cases aloud and repeatedly.

2. What is the recommended "canned" approach for presenting a case?
A systematic approach is crucial. Your verbal presentation should quickly cover:

  • Image description - Briefly describe the key findings/image
  • History & Exam: Elicit the key pieces of history and exam findings you need to narrow down your differential diagnosis.
  • Differential Diagnosis: Provide a list of 3-5 diagnoses (listing life-threatening/sight-threatening/most likely diagnoses first).
  • Workup: Order relevant, focused tests.
  • Diagnosis: Provide the most likely diagnosis
  • Management: Outline your treatment plan including patient counseling and follow-up recommendations.

3. Are mock Ophthalmology oral board sessions essential for preparation?
Yes. Mock sessions with a colleague (such as using the Study Buddy feature through OphthoGenie), faculty, or a dedicated course are highly recommended. This simulates the pressure and time constraints of exam day, and allows you to refine your verbal communication style based on immediate feedback.