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100+ Free Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie Exam

EBO / SOG

Exam Format

SOG / SIWF Examination Regulations

60 MCQs + 4 Vivas

Official Exam Structure

European Board of Ophthalmology

5 Years

Postgraduate Training

SIWF Weiterbildungsprogramm

FEBO + FMH

Dual Certification

EBO / SIWF Agreement

Lifetime

FMH Title Validity

Swiss Medical Association (FMH)

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

The Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie credential certifies specialist ophthalmologists in Switzerland through SIWF and SOG in cooperation with the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO). Assessment features a 60-question written examination and a 4-station clinical viva voce, covering optics, cornea, cataract, glaucoma, retina, neuro-ophthalmology, uveitis, and oculoplastics.

Sample Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient with simple myopia is corrected with a thin spectacle lens of power -5.00 D situated at a back vertex distance of 12 mm from the corneal apex. If the patient is to be fitted with a contact lens placed directly on the cornea, what is the required contact lens power?
A.-4.72 D
B.-5.32 D
C.-5.00 D
D.-4.25 D
Explanation: To calculate the contact lens power (F_cl) from the spectacle power (F_sp = -5.00 D) and vertex distance (d = 0.012 m), use the vertex distance formula: F_cl = F_sp / (1 - d * F_sp) = -5.00 / (1 - 0.012 * (-5.00)) = -5.00 / (1 + 0.060) = -5.00 / 1.060 ≈ -4.72 D. A myopic correction requires less minus power at the corneal plane because moving a minus lens closer to the eye increases its effective diverging power.
2During streak retinoscopy performed at a working distance of 67 cm (requiring a +1.50 D working distance lens), an ophthalmologist observes a 'with' motion along the 90° meridian neutralized by a +3.50 D trial lens, and a 'with' motion along the 180° meridian neutralized by a +5.00 D trial lens in the trial frame. What is the patient's net refractive error in plus cylinder notation?
A.+3.50 DS / +1.50 DC x 90°
B.+2.00 DS / +1.50 DC x 90°
C.+2.00 DS / +1.50 DC x 180°
D.+3.50 DS / +1.50 DC x 180°
Explanation: First, subtract the working distance allowance (+1.50 D) from the gross neutralization powers: along the 90° meridian (vertical), net power = +3.50 - 1.50 = +2.00 D; along the 180° meridian (horizontal), net power = +5.00 - 1.50 = +3.50 D. The sphere is +2.00 DS, and the difference (+3.50 - +2.00 = +1.50 DC) is the cylinder power oriented along the 90° axis (acting at 180°), yielding +2.00 DS / +1.50 DC x 90°.
3A patient wears right spectacle lens correction of +4.00 DS. When looking 5 mm downward and 3 mm outward (temporal) through the lens relative to its optical center, what prismatic effect is induced according to Prentice's rule?
A.1.2 prism diopters base-down and 2.0 prism diopters base-in
B.2.0 prism diopters base-down and 1.2 prism diopters base-in
C.2.0 prism diopters base-up and 1.2 prism diopters base-out
D.0.8 prism diopters base-up and 1.5 prism diopters base-out
Explanation: According to Prentice's rule (P = c * F, where c is displacement in centimeters and F is power in diopters): Vertical prism = 0.5 cm * 4.00 D = 2.0 prism diopters (base-up, because looking downward through a plus lens places the eye below the optical center, where the lens base is directed superiorly). Horizontal prism = 0.3 cm * 4.00 D = 1.2 prism diopters (base-out, because looking outward through a plus lens places the eye temporal to the optical center, directed toward the base).
4When refining the astigmatic axis using a Jackson cross-cylinder (JCC), how should the handle and principal axes of the cross-cylinder lens be aligned relative to the trial cylinder axis in the phoropter?
A.The principal axes (+0.25 D and -0.25 D) are aligned at 45° to the trial cylinder axis, while the handle is perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
B.The positive principal axis is aligned parallel to the trial cylinder axis, while the handle is at 45°.
C.The negative principal axis is aligned parallel to the trial cylinder axis, while the handle is at 90°.
D.The handle of the Jackson cross-cylinder is aligned directly parallel to the trial cylinder axis, positioning the principal power axes 45° straddling the axis.
Explanation: During Jackson cross-cylinder (JCC) axis refinement, the handle of the JCC is aligned parallel to the axis of the correcting cylinder in the trial frame or phoropter. This places the two principal power axes (red/minus and white/plus) at 45° on either side of the trial axis. Twirling the handle alternates the positions of the principal axes, allowing the patient to compare sharpness and determine the direction of axis rotation toward the clearer position.
5A 24-year-old patient seeking laser refractive surgery undergoes Scheimpflug corneal tomography (Pentacam). The Belin-Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display shows a final total deviation index (BAD-D value) of 2.15, posterior elevation of +17 µm relative to the best-fit sphere, and thinnest pachymetry of 482 µm. What is the most appropriate clinical interpretation and recommendation?
A.Subclinical/forme fruste keratoconus; excimer laser ablation (LASIK/PRK) is contraindicated.
B.Normal physiological variant; femtosecond LASIK can be safely performed with a 100 µm flap.
C.Mild regular astigmatism; small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is preferred to preserve biomechanics.
D.Post-refractive corneal ectasia; patient requires immediate intraocular lens exchange.
Explanation: A BAD-D value > 1.6 SD (and particularly > 2.0 SD), posterior corneal elevation > +15 µm, and corneal thickness < 500 µm are hallmark indicators of subclinical / forme fruste keratoconus or high ectasia risk. Performing corneal laser ablation (LASIK, PRK, or SMILE) in this eye carries a severe risk of progressive iatrogenic keratectasia. Corneal refractive surgery is strictly contraindicated, and the patient should be monitored for progression with consideration of corneal cross-linking (CXL) if documented.
6In optical wavefront analysis using Zernike polynomial expansion, which optical aberration corresponds to the 4th-order radial polynomial with zero azimuthal frequency (Z_4^0)?
A.Horizontal coma (Z_3^1)
B.Primary spherical aberration
C.Trefoil (Z_3^-3)
D.Secondary astigmatism (Z_4^2)
Explanation: In Zernike polynomial classification (ANSI standard), Z_4^0 denotes primary spherical aberration, a rotationally symmetrical 4th-order higher-order aberration that increases with the 4th power of pupil radius. Positive spherical aberration causes marginal light rays to refract more strongly than paraxial rays, focusing closer to the lens.
7A 28-year-old man with a stable refraction of -6.00 DS in both eyes has a central corneal pachymetry of 510 µm. A refractive surgeon evaluates him for LASIK. Planning a flap thickness of 110 µm and assuming an ablation depth of 15 µm per diopter of correction, what is the anticipated residual stromal bed (RSB) thickness, and does it meet established safety criteria?
A.250 µm; unsafe because the RSB is below the mandatory 350 µm limit
B.400 µm; safe because it exceeds the minimum safety threshold
C.310 µm; safe because it exceeds the minimum standard safety threshold of 250–300 µm
D.210 µm; unsafe because it is below 250 µm
Explanation: The required stromal ablation depth = 6.00 D * 15 µm/D = 90 µm. The residual stromal bed (RSB) = Total pachymetry (510 µm) - Flap thickness (110 µm) - Ablation depth (90 µm) = 510 - 200 = 310 µm. International and ESCRS refractive safety guidelines require an RSB of at least 250–300 µm (and percent tissue altered < 40%). An RSB of 310 µm satisfies the standard safety margin.
8A 32-year-old patient with -11.50 D myopia is evaluated for implantation of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (Visian ICL). Which preoperative anatomical parameter represents a mandatory safety criterion for ICL implantation?
A.Axial length greater than 28.0 mm
B.Corneal pachymetry greater than 550 µm
C.Angle-to-angle distance less than 11.0 mm
D.Anterior chamber depth (ACD) ≥ 2.8 mm measured from endothelium to anterior lens capsule, and adequate endothelial cell density
Explanation: Posterior chamber phakic IOLs (ICL) require an anterior chamber depth (ACD) of at least 2.8 mm (measured from corneal endothelium to the anterior crystalline lens capsule) or ≥ 3.0 mm (measured from epithelium), open iridocorneal angles (grade III–IV Shaffer), and age-appropriate endothelial cell density (typically > 2,000–2,500 cells/mm²). Insufficient ACD increases the risk of endothelial cell loss, angle closure, and cataract formation.
9An extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens utilizes controlled spherical aberration to elongate the focal zone. How does inducing negative spherical aberration in the central optics affect optical quality and depth of field across varying pupil diameters?
A.It extends the depth of focus for intermediate vision while preserving distance contrast sensitivity, but may slightly reduce peak distance visual acuity compared to a monofocal lens.
B.It completely eliminates all higher-order aberrations and photic phenomena at night regardless of pupil size.
C.It creates two distinct discrete focal points with zero light energy between distance and near foci.
D.It relies exclusively on diffractive phase steps that cause severe loss of light transmission in mesopic conditions.
Explanation: EDOF intraocular lenses (such as those modifying spherical aberration or employing non-diffractive wavefront shaping) extend the depth of field to provide functional intermediate and distance vision with a continuous range of focus. While they produce fewer halos and glare than traditional bifocal/trifocal diffractive IOLs, they exhibit a mild trade-off in peak contrast sensitivity and near reading acuity compared to pure monofocal lenses.
10According to Knapp's Law, what is the optimal optical correction for a patient with high unilateral axial anisometropia in order to minimize retinal image size disparity (aniseikonia)?
A.Contact lenses fitted directly on the cornea
B.Spectacle lenses positioned with their back vertex at the anterior focal point of the eye (approximately 15 mm in front of the cornea)
C.Refractive corneal laser ablation (LASIK)
D.Intraocular lens implantation targeting monovision
Explanation: Knapp's Law states that when an ametropic eye is corrected by a spectacle lens placed at the anterior focal point of the eye (roughly 14–17 mm in front of the cornea), the size of the blurred or focused retinal image is equal to that of an emmetropic eye, provided the refractive error is purely axial. Therefore, for pure axial anisometropia, spectacles minimize retinal image size disparity, whereas for refractive (corneal) anisometropia, contact lenses minimize aniseikonia.

About the Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie Exam

The Facharzt FMH für Ophthalmologie (Specialist in Ophthalmology FMH) is the Swiss Federal postgraduate medical qualification granting full independent practice rights in ophthalmology across Switzerland. Regulated by the SIWF (Swiss Institute for Postgraduate and Continuous Medical Training) and the SOG (Swiss Society of Ophthalmology), the specialist examination is administered in close collaboration with the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO), conferring both the Swiss Facharzttitel and the prestigious FEBO (Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology) diploma upon successful completion. The comprehensive syllabus encompasses optics, clinical refraction, refractive surgery, cornea and ocular surface disease, cataract surgery and intraocular lens biometry, glaucoma medical and surgical therapeutics, medical and surgical retina, neuro-ophthalmology, strabismus and pediatric ophthalmology, uveitis, oculoplastics, and orbital diseases. Note on format and language: While the official EBO/SOG board examination is administered in English (with French language options for certain viva stations) and includes a mandatory 4-station oral viva voce, this question bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation created by OpenExamPrep—not an official SOG/EBO examination release—specifically designed to train high-yield clinical reasoning, diagnostic acumen, surgical judgment, and guideline-based management.

Assessment

Two-part qualifying examination conducted on a single day or consecutive days: 1) Part I Written Examination consisting of 60 questions (Single Best Answer and Multiple True/False, 120 minutes in English), and 2) Part II Viva Voce consisting of four standardized 15-minute oral clinical stations (Optics/Strabismus/Neuro-ophthalmology, Cornea/External Disease/Orbit, Glaucoma/Cataract, and Posterior Segment/Retina/Uveitis) evaluated by certified European and Swiss examiners.

Time Limit

120 minutes written examination plus 60 minutes structured oral viva voce (four 15-minute stations)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced standard score ≥6.0 on the EBO grading scale across written and viva voce components, ratified by the SOG examination committee

Exam Fee

CHF 1,500 (SOG / YSO members with ≥2 years membership) or CHF 3,000 (non-members); SIWF FMH Title Application fee CHF 1,000–2,500 (Schweizerisches Institut für ärztliche Weiter- und Fortbildung (SIWF / FMH) and Schweizerische Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft (SOG / SSO) in cooperation with the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO))

Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie Exam Content Outline

15%

Optics, Refraction & Refractive Surgery

Geometrical and physical optics, vergence, lens aberrations, clinical retinoscopy and subjective refraction, contact lens fitting for irregular corneas, corneal topography, wavefront aberrometry, LASIK/PRK/SMILE surgical principles, and phakic intraocular lenses.

18%

Cornea, Ocular Surface & External Disease

Bacterial, fungal, viral (HSV/VZV), and Acanthamoeba keratitis; corneal dystrophies (Fuchs, macular, granular, lattice); keratoconus screening and corneal cross-linking (CXL); dry eye disease (DEWS II); chemical burns; and lamellar/penetrating keratoplasty (PK, DSAEK, DMEK).

26%

Cataract & Glaucoma

Optical biometry and premium IOL calculation (Barrett Universal II, Kane, EVO); phacoemulsification fluidics and complication management (posterior capsule rupture, zonular dialysis); endophthalmitis prophylaxis; primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), and angle closure; medical, laser (SLT, LPI), and surgical management (trabeculectomy, tube shunts, MIGS); and visual field/OCT RNFL analysis.

24%

Medical & Surgical Vitreoretinal Diseases

Age-related macular degeneration (dry vs wet AMD, anti-VEGF treat-and-extend regimens, geographic atrophy); diabetic retinopathy and macular edema (ETDRS classification, DME); retinal vein and artery occlusions; central serous chorioretinopathy; rhegmatogenous retinal detachment; macular hole and epiretinal membrane; vitreoretinal surgery and tamponades.

17%

Neuro-Ophthalmology, Strabismus, Uveitis & Oculoplastics

Optic neuritis (MS, NMO, MOGAD), papilledema (IIH), cranial nerve palsies (III, IV, VI), giant cell arteritis (GCA/AION), Horner syndrome; pediatric strabismus and amblyopia; anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis (HLA-B27, VKH, sarcoidosis, toxoplasmosis, Behçet); thyroid eye disease (TED, teprotumumab); orbital tumors; and eyelid malpositions.

How to Pass the Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Criterion-referenced standard score ≥6.0 on the EBO grading scale across written and viva voce components, ratified by the SOG examination committee
  • Assessment: Two-part qualifying examination conducted on a single day or consecutive days: 1) Part I Written Examination consisting of 60 questions (Single Best Answer and Multiple True/False, 120 minutes in English), and 2) Part II Viva Voce consisting of four standardized 15-minute oral clinical stations (Optics/Strabismus/Neuro-ophthalmology, Cornea/External Disease/Orbit, Glaucoma/Cataract, and Posterior Segment/Retina/Uveitis) evaluated by certified European and Swiss examiners.
  • Time limit: 120 minutes written examination plus 60 minutes structured oral viva voce (four 15-minute stations)
  • Exam fee: CHF 1,500 (SOG / YSO members with ≥2 years membership) or CHF 3,000 (non-members); SIWF FMH Title Application fee CHF 1,000–2,500

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Facharzt FMH Ophthalmologie Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master Optics & Refraction Calculations: Practice lens formulas, vergence calculations, prismatic effect (Prentice's rule), Jackson cross-cylinder power refinement, and toric IOL axis alignment.
2Know European Glaucoma Guidelines (EGS) by Heart: Memorize baseline target IOP reduction percentages (20–30% for early POAG, 30–50% for advanced/normal-tension glaucoma), first-line prostaglandin analog efficacy, laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) indications, and trabeculectomy postoperative bleb management.
3Understand Lamellar Corneal Surgery Indications: Clearly distinguish clinical indications, anatomy, and graft orientations between DMEK (pure Descemet membrane and endothelium, best for Fuchs dystrophy) and DSAEK (endothelium + donor stroma, better for complex anterior chambers or previous vitrectomy/glaucoma tubes).
4Memorize Retinal Pharmacotherapy Protocols: Be fluent in anti-VEGF dosing intervals (aflibercept, ranibizumab, faricimab dual Ang-2/VEGF-A inhibition), Treat-and-Extend protocols, and systemic risks in diabetic retinopathy and wet AMD.
5Systematize Neuro-Ophthalmic Emergencies: Master red flags and emergency pathways for Giant Cell Arteritis (urgent high-dose IV methylprednisolone before temporal artery biopsy), third nerve palsy with pupil involvement (urgent CTA/MRA to rule out PCoA aneurysm), and acute Horner syndrome (CTA head/neck for carotid dissection).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Facharzt FMH für Ophthalmologie title?

The Facharzt FMH für Ophthalmologie is the federally recognized medical specialist title awarded in Switzerland by the SIWF / FMH upon completion of 5 years of accredited postgraduate residency training, passing the joint SOG / European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) examination, and satisfying all e-Logbook clinical and surgical requirements.

How is the Swiss Ophthalmology specialist examination organized?

The Swiss specialist examination is organized by the Swiss Ophthalmological Society (SOG/SSO) in partnership with the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO). Candidates take the EBOD examination, which consists of a 120-minute written computer-based examination (MCQs) followed by a structured 4-station viva voce (15 minutes each) testing clinical diagnosis, photo vignettes, and surgical management across all subspecialties.

What dual qualification do successful Swiss candidates receive?

Candidates who pass the joint examination and fulfill all national training requirements earn both the Swiss Federal Specialist Title (Eidgenössischer Facharzttitel FMH für Ophthalmologie) and the European qualification of Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO).

What are the clinical guidelines tested on the examination?

The board draws primarily from the European Glaucoma Society (EGS) Guidelines, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Guidelines, European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA) Guidelines, TFOS DEWS II Dry Eye Guidelines, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science Course (AAO BCSC) series.

What is the difference between the FMH title and the Schwerpunkt Ophthalmochirurgie?

The Facharzt FMH für Ophthalmologie certifies comprehensive medical and surgical ophthalmic competencies. The Schwerpunkt Ophthalmochirurgie (Specialized Sub-title in Ophthalmic Surgery) is an optional advanced SIWF subspecialty title requiring an additional dedicated operative curriculum with specified major intraocular surgical case minimums (phacoemulsification, glaucoma surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, and strabismus surgery).

Why is this practice question bank presented in English?

The official European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) written examination is conducted in English throughout Europe, including for Swiss candidates. This 100-question practice bank provides comprehensive English-language preparation formatted to reflect the scope and clinical rigor of the EBO and SOG curricula.