Ophthalmic Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery is as an 'optional' module in the Intermediate Curriculum, yet appears to be a relative favourite, having appeared in 4 of the 12 CRQ/SAQ's since 2017.

Short answer questions on anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery have appeared in March 2023 (pass rate 77%), March 2021 (33%), March 2019 (52%) and September 2018 (42%), meaning knowledge of at least the common topics may pay dividends come the time of the exam.

Ophthalmic topics include:

• For a refresher of ophthalmic anatomy, see the relevant Primary FRCA section
• Intra-ocular pressure
• Neural pathways of the eyes
• The oculo-cardiac reflex
• Pre-operative assessment for ophthalmic surgery
• Anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery
• Regional anaesthesia for eyes
• Emergency ophthalmic surgery
• Cataracts
• Paediatric eye surgery
• Assorted other surgeries

These sections have been peer-reviewed by Mr. James Richardson-May BMBS FRCOphth.