System Requirements: IBM AT, PS/2, or 100% compatible, Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher, 4 MB RAM, 3 MB hard disk space or more
The Interactive Review of Ophthalmology is organized in a board review format with 1500 questions and answers. The questions are organized into 25 sections, which cover virtually all of ophthalmology. (Cornea sections 1‐3, fundamentals, glaucoma sections 1 & 2, lens and trauma, neuro‐ophthalmology sections 1 & 2, oculoplastics sections 1 & 2, optics sections 1 & 2, pathology sections 1 & 2, pediatrics sections 1 & 2, potpourri sections 1 & 2, retina sections 1, 2, & 3, strabismus sections 1 & 2, and uveitis.)
The program starts by the user selecting a specific topic; and the questions are presented in numerical order with five possible answers for each question. Once the answer is selected, the user clicks on O.K. and a smiley face will appear if the answer is correct, or a frowning face with tears running out of one eye if the question is incorrect. The correct answer is given and also a suggested reference. The answers are short and to the point with minimal discussion making it necessary to use the reference to gain additional information. The program times each question to improve the user’s test taking speed while a watchful eye blinks every ten seconds and turns red after 90 seconds have elapsed. Automatically, the program keeps track of the number of questions that were answered correctly; and, in the review mode, it will list the questions missed if further study is desired. There is also a random mode which picks questions from all 25 sections at random; but this technique cannot be used if CME credit is desired. The text is easy to read and there are no graphics offered in this program.
The information is current and accurate with a few minor problems, such as the spelling of “Rieger,” which was incorrect in one question but correct in others. The use of Xalatan as a drug to increase uveal scleral outflow was not mentioned, perhaps because it was probably not released when these questions were put together.
The feature that I especially liked was the use of mnemonics to help remember a list of facts. Also, I liked the fact that this program is approved for 50 hours of Category 1 CME; however one must send in an evaluation form and the score sheet with a check for $35.00 to receive credit. The shortcut mode was helpful as well in speeding up the time required to advance to the next question.
For comparison, I looked at my 1993 copy of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Review Manual for Ophthalmology by Jeffrey C. Lamkin, MD, which is also published by Little, Brown. It sold for $69.95 in 1993 but offered 2200 questions and answers. This volume offers graphics with two pages of color plates and an occasional mnemonic. The questions were answered in slightly more detail than in the electronic version with two references offered at the end of each section. The major disadvantage of the book is that one has to flip to the end of the section to read the answer to a specific question and one might inadvertently view the answer to the next question if provisions are not taken to mask it.
Overall, I enjoyed the Interactive Review of Ophthalmology and felt that the expenditure of $134.00 for 50 hours of Category 1 CME is an excellent bargain for the practicing ophthalmologist who might need the CME credit or who needs to prepare for a recertification examination. A resident studying for the board exam might want more questions and answers as offered in the Review Manual for Ophthalmology. However, the portability of the floppy disk, especially loaded in a laptop computer, is ideal for any busy physician on the go.
My suggestion for future additions would be to put this information on a CD ROM with twice as many questions, a search engine, graphics, clinical photographs, and, most importantly, in depth references and discussions included on the CD ROM. This type of project would require much more work to put together but it would become the “gold standard” for ophthalmologists preparing for board examinations and recertification examinations.
