Section 1 of the Academy's Basic and Clinical Science Course™ (BCSC^®) provides thorough information on the general areas of medicine. This section covers endocrine disorders, cerebrovascular disease, infectious diseases, cancer, behavioral and neurologic disorders, and geriatrics.

BCSC Section 1 includes chapters on research to improve clinical practice, perioperative management in ocular surgery, and management of medical emergencies that the ophthalmologist might encounter.

To address an important and timely issue, this section begins with a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) chapter, which covers the topic and categories of SDOH, as well as the impact of SDOH on patient wellness. There is a subsection on COVID-19 and a table on ocular side effects of biologics and targeted drugs. In addition, Ophthalmic Considerations boxes cover various ophthalmic topics, including tables and references, to help deepen the understanding of the concepts presented in this section.

BCSC Section 1 covers the latest recommendations for treating hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and includes four videos (sample), two of which demonstrate responses to in-office emergency situations. Both print and eBook users have access to videos.

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

• Describe the various factors to consider in critically reviewing clinical research
• Explain the importance of the randomized controlled clinical study in evaluating the effects of new treatments
• Describe the classification, pathophysiology, and presentation of diabetes, as well as the diagnostic criteria for this disease

Section chair: Herbert J. Ingraham, MD
Last Major Revision: 2023-2024

Print: 392 pages

eBook: Read Academy eBooks online from nearly any computer, or download eBooks to your mobile device with the free Academy eBooks app. For eBook features, requirements and licensing, visit: aao.org/ebooks. Please allow up to 90 minutes for receiving an access key (via email) that will allow you to retrieve your eBook after purchase.

Print ISBN: 978-1-68104-783-6
eBook ISBN: 978-1-68104-806-3
Print & eBook ISBN: 978-1-68104-796-6

About the BCSC
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 text, tables, photos and illustrations, multimedia, self-assessment questions with answers, 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.

CME Information
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.