The Academy's Basic and Clinical Science Course™ is ophthalmology’s definitive source of clinical information. Practicing ophthalmologists and residents worldwide use the BCSC® to ensure the highest-quality patient care. Each of the 13 volumes includes up-to-date clinical knowledge, concise information, tables, self-assessment questions with answers, photos and illustrations and opportunities for earning AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Beginning with the 2013–2014 edition, the Academy and the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) have partnered to make the BCSC® the standard text for all European ophthalmology training programs. The EBO now recommends the BCSC® as the primary educational resource for European trainees and ophthalmologists studying for the annual EBO Diploma Exam.

Section 1 provides a thorough and concise update on the general areas of medicine. This section covers systemic medical conditions most likely to affect ophthalmic patients, such as infectious, metabolic, neurologic and cardiovascular diseases; cancer; and rheumatic and endocrine disorders.

Get the most out of each section, with highlights at the start of every chapter. Includes up-to-date information on obstructive sleep apnea and the new classes of anticoagulants with discussions on preventive medicine and medical emergencies, geriatrics and statistics. Plus, references and tables listing the names, indications and side effects of antibiotic, antihypertensive and anticancer drugs.

To address an important and timely issue, a new chapter about Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) is included in this section. This minor revision covers the topic and categories of SDOH, as well as the impact of SDOH on patient wellness.

Section 1 covers the latest recommendations for the treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and includes two videos (sample) demonstrating responses to in-office emergency situations.

Upon completion of Section 1, readers should be able to:

Describe the ophthalmic manifestations of major systemic diseases.

Summarize the major disease processes affecting most of the adult population, and briefly explain how preventive measures may reduce the morbidity and mortality they cause.

List some of the factors associated with a patient’s compliance or noncompliance with medical regimens.

Identify the categories and approaches of SDOH.

Last Major Revision: 2019-2020