2023-2024 Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 02: Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology

Major Revision

Section 2 of the Academy’s Basic and Clinical Science Course™ (BCSC^®) provides the essential scientific grounding for current ophthalmic practice with discussions about ocular anatomy, embryology, biochemistry and metabolism in the eye and ocular pharmacology. In addition, a new chapter discusses the role of digital ophthalmology, as well as the application and future of artificial intelligence, plus machine learning.

BCSC Section 2 features new clinical content on biosimilar drugs and ocular penetration of systemically administered antimicrobial agents and pediatric dosing. This edition has new Clinical Pearl boxes and content boxes that emphasize essential concepts.

This major revision includes expanded clinical content on ophthalmic drug delivery, ophthalmic preservatives and a new section dedicated to VEGF and VEGF inhibitors plus an expanded table on immunomodulatory therapy. BCSC Section 2 includes an updated genetics section with expanded knowledge on CRISPR and includes new pedigree charts.

Deepen your understanding with eleven clinical videos, three animations (sample) and five interactive activities. Both print and eBook users have access to videos, animations and interactive activities.

Upon completion of Section 2, readers should be able to:

• Describe the anastomoses in the orbit between the external and internal carotid arteries
• Describe the elements of the visual cycle and phototransduction cascade and their relation to vision and inherited retinal diseases
• Draw a pedigree diagram and identify the main patterns of inheritance
• Describe the role of the ophthalmologist in the provision of genetic counseling as well as the indications for ordering genetic testing and referring patients for gene therapy
• List the various functions of the retinal pigment epithelium, such as phagocytosis, vitamin A metabolism, and maintenance of retinal adhesion
• Describe the basic principles of ocular pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics

Section chair: Vikram S. Brar, MD

Print: 584 pages