In this episode of OSCE Talk, we break down how to take a clear, structured ophthalmology history for OSCEs and real clinical practice.

We cover the key eye symptoms you must ask about, how to use a simple framework to avoid missing red flags, and how to recognise ophthalmological emergencies such as sudden vision loss, flashes, floaters, and diplopia.

Using a practical case example, we guide you through differentiating common causes of visual disturbance, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal pathology — helping you sound confident, systematic, and safe in exams.

Whether you’re revising for OSCEs or starting clinical placements, this episode gives you a repeatable structure you can use in any eye history station.

• A clear framework for ophthalmology history taking

• How to assess visual disturbance effectively

• Key red flags that require urgent referral

• How to localise vision loss (central vs peripheral)

• Common differential diagnoses in eye presentations

• When to escalate to eye casualty