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DNB Ophthalmology Previous Year Questions

These are the DNB Ophthalmology theory questions asked by NBEMS in the December 2025 and June 2025 exams, listed paper by paper as they appeared. The Prep DNB app has all 22 DNB sessions from June 2014 to December 2025 plus 6 DipNB papers — 1,060 questions in total — with repeat-question tracking, examiner keywords and MCQs.

Jump to: December 2025 · June 2025 · Important topics · Older papers

DNB Ophthalmology December 2025 Question Paper

Paper 1

  1. a) Anatomy of angle of the anterior chamber. [5] b) Embryology of crystalline lens of eye. [5]
  2. a) Describe in detail about precorneal tear film and its functions. [5] b) Describe in detail Sturm's conoid and its clinical significance. [5]
  3. a) Pupillary pathway lesions. [5] b) Anatomy of limbus and its clinical significance. [5]
  4. a) Describe various factors responsible for normal intraocular pressure of eyeball. [5] b) Write in brief about various carbonic anhydrase inhibitors used in glaucoma patients. [5]
  5. a) Describe various illumination techniques used in slit lamp bimicroscopy. [5] b) Visual Evoked Potential and its role in eye diseases. [5]
  6. a) Describe in detail about blood retinal barrier. [5] b) Write detail about the anatomy of ciliary ganglion and its relationship with pupillary reactions. [5]
  7. a) Cholinergic agents used in Ophthalmology. [5] b) Describe the anatomy of the lacrimal drainage system. [5]
  8. a) Describe in brief the anatomy of cavernous sinus. [5] b) Assessment of binocular diplopia. [5]
  9. a) Various stains used for corneal disorders. [5] b) Describe in detail about the elevators of the eye lid. [5]
  10. a) Describe the microbial flora of the eye with its clinical significance. [5] b) Discuss briefly blood supply of the retina. [5]

Paper 2

  1. a) Etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation of sympathetic ophthalmitis. [5] b) Management of sympathetic ophthalmitis. [5]
  2. a) Clinical approach to a case of congenital epiphora in a one year old child. [5] b) Management of congenital dacryocystitis. [5]
  3. a) Clinically significant macular oedema. [5] b) Describe various visual field defects seen in primary open angle glaucoma. [5]
  4. a) A 2-year-old child presents to eye OPD with complaints of bilateral leucocoria. How would you proceed for its management? [5] b) Management of marginal keratitis. [5]
  5. a) Optics of 3 mirror gonioscopy and clinical implementations. [5] b) Management of intermediate uveitis. [5]
  6. a) One day following trabeculectomy surgery, a 55 year old patient presented with severe pain in the operated eye. On examination of the operated eye, anterior chamber was uniformly shallow with patent peripheral iridotomy and intraocular pressure was 50 mm Hg. What is the most likely diagnosis? Discuss principle of management. [2+3] b) Discuss management of chronic allergic conjunctivitis. [5]
  7. a) Clinical manifestations of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. [5] b) Retinal findings and management of branch vein occlusion. [5]
  8. a) Management of intermittent divergent strabismus. [5] b) Ocular manifestations of Marfan's syndrome. [5]
  9. a) Management of post surgical cystoid macular edema (CME)'. [5] b) Investigations in a case of orbital lesions. [5]
  10. a) Describe kerato-conjunctivitis sicca (KCS)'. [5] b) Clinical manifestations, grading and management of macular hole. [5]

Paper 3

  1. a) Management of a case of perforated corneal ulcer. [5] b) Clinical evaluation and techniques of DSAEK. [5]
  2. a) Evaluation of a patient undergoing refractive corneal surgery. [5] b) Describe in detail about phakic intraocular lenses. [5]
  3. a) Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)'. [5] b) Principle and applications of lasers in diabetic retinopathy. [5]
  4. a) Clinical features and management of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. [5] b) Discuss management of a case of non healing corneal ulcers. [5]
  5. a) Describe with diagram the applied surgical anatomy of the upper eyelid. [5] b) A 17-year-old girl presented with bilateral severe ptosis for last few years. Detailed work up of the patient reveals history of constant itching due to chronic allergic conjunctivitis. Levator superioris muscle action was normal along with raised lid crease. What is the most likely diagnosis and how to manage? [5]
  6. a) Sterilization of ophthalmic instruments and operation theatre. [5] b) Describe indications, instrumentations & techniques of pars plana vitrectomy. [5]
  7. a) Describe in detail about OCT angiography. [5] b) Management of central serous retinopathy. [5]
  8. a) Pathogenesis and management of Retinopathy of Prematurity. [5] b) Clinical features and management of wet ARMD. [5]
  9. a) Complications of glaucoma drainage devices. [5] b) Surgical management of cicatricial entropion. [5]
  10. a) Management of pre-existing astigmatism in cataract surgery. [5] b) Management of post LASIK ectasia. [5]

Paper 4

  1. a) A 2-year-old child presents with central full thickness upper lid congenital coloboma. Discuss different options in its management. [5] b) Discuss on minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. [5]
  2. a) Glaucoma screening at community level. [5] b) Collection and preservation of donated eyes in Hospital Corneal Retrieval Programme. [5]
  3. a) Role of establishment of eye bank in corneal blindness. [5] b) Ocular clinical features in AIDS. [5]
  4. a) Discuss optics of multifocal intraocular lenses. [5] b) Teleophthalmology based screening and diagnosis. [5]
  5. a) Discuss management of angle recession glaucoma. [5] b) Low vision aids in ophthalmology. [5]
  6. a) Discuss posterior segment ocular manifestations of tuberculosis. [5] b) Role of anti-VEGF agents in management of diabetic macular edema. [5]
  7. a) Recent advances in laser in ophthalmology. [5] b) Role of Toric IOL in the management of corneal astigmatism during cataract surgery. [5]
  8. a) Discuss role of amniotic membrane in various ocular diseases. [5] b) Discuss role of corneal topography in the management of keratoconus. [5]
  9. a) Guidelines for setting up an Eye Camp in a rural area. [5] b) Role of NPCB in controlling and preventing blindness. [5]
  10. a) Discuss role of anterior segment OCT in various ocular diseases. [5] b) Discuss the principles of management of post cataract surgery corneal oedema. [5]

DNB Ophthalmology June 2025 Question Paper

Paper 1

  1. a) Describe the various layers of the cornea. [2] b) Discuss diagnostic and therapeutic applications of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in corneal diseases. [4+4]
  2. a) Describe in detail the origin and course of cranial nerve VI. [3] b) Discuss evaluation of acute cranial nerve VI palsy. [3] c) Discuss its management. [4]
  3. a) Describe the clinical anatomy of sclera. [3] b) Discuss evaluation and management of scleritis. [3+4]
  4. a) Describe different methods of pediatric vision testing. [5] b) Discuss principles of glasses prescription in pediatric patients. [5]
  5. a) Enumerate different changes occurring during accommodation. [2] b) How do you assess NPA and amplitude of accommodation? [3] c) Discuss use of accommodative flippers and bifocal spectacle in children. [5]
  6. a) Discuss anatomy of superior orbital fissure. [6] b) Discuss differential diagnosis and management of superior orbital fissure syndrome. [4]
  7. a) Describe in detail various theories of colour vision. [6] b) Entopic phenomenon. [4]
  8. a) Describe anatomy of ciliary body. [3] b) Discuss the dynamics of aqueous humor formation. [3] c) Discuss the pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic disc changes. [4]
  9. a) Describe sensory evaluation of a patient with squint. [6] b) Discuss non surgical management of squint. [4]
  10. a) Discuss in detail the vascular supply of optic disc. [3] b) Describe clinical features, evaluation and management of maculopathy in optic disc pit. [7]

Paper 2

  1. A 65-year-old patient presents to your OPD with complaint of gradually progressive painless diminution of vision subsequent to cataract surgery. Patient is a known case of T2 DM since 15 years and hypertension since 10 years. a) What is your differential diagnosis? [4] b) How will you approach the case? [6]
  2. A 45-year-old patient came to your OPD with complaints of blurring in vision for both near and distance associated with occasional headaches. Patient had no history of any chronic illness. Patient had never used any glasses. a) Describe in detail the complete ophthalmology workup for such patient. [6] b) Describe in detail the management modalities for the case. [4]
  3. Describe in detail the white dot syndromes. [10]
  4. A 56-year-old male patient presents significant protrusion of right eye, along with diminution of vision and inability to move the right eye since the last 6 months. On examination, the patient had right UL and LL fullness, conjunctival chemosis, clear cornea and fixed dilated pupil. The left eye was normal. He has uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1C 15.5 gm%. a) How will you approach the case? [5] b) Describe in detail the treatment algorithm for the same. [5]
  5. A 56-year-old farmer came to your OPD with complaints of acute pain, redness and diminution of vision in his left eye subsequent to injury by a stone. a) How will you examine the patient? [4] b) Discuss in detail the differential diagnosis and management of the case. [6]
  6. A 2-year-old child is brought by his parents with complaint of inward deviation of his eye since the last 4 months. Discuss the differentials, approach and management options for this child. [10]
  7. A 30-year-old male presents to the OPD with complaints of painful, diminution of vision in his right eye for 1 month. He had undergone corneal tear repair under LA following accidental injury by a fork to his left eye 2 years ago. a) Discuss approach for evaluation in such a case. [5] b) Discuss differential diagnosis and management. [5]
  8. A 70-year-old lady came with complaints of excessive watering in her right eye since 4 years. a) Discuss differential diagnosis of watering in adult patient. [3] b) How will you approach and manage this case? [7]
  9. A 3-year-old female complaints of sudden painful diminution of vision in her right eye since 4 days. On evaluation, the BCVA is 6/60, color vision and contrast are impaired and pupil reaction has grade 3 RAPD. a) How will you approach the case? [5] b) Discuss management of this case. [5]
  10. Discuss clinical features, evaluation and management of various diseases in pachychoroid disease spectrum. [10]

Paper 3

  1. Discuss clinical features, evaluation and management of non infectious uveitis? [2+3+5]
  2. Discuss clinical features, evaluation and management of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome? [2+4+4]
  3. a) Define and classify dry eye disease. [3] b) Discuss the management algorithm of dry eye disease. [7]
  4. a) Define non-healing corneal ulcer. [5] b) Describe the management techniques with special emphasis on amniotic membrane transplant. [5]
  5. a) How would you approach a case of entropion? [5] b) Describe various surgical procedures for its correction. [5]
  6. a) Classify lacrimal gland tumors. [2] b) Describe clinical features, evaluation and management of pleomorphic adenoma of lacrimal gland. [8]
  7. Discuss principle, procedure and protocols of corneal cross linking (C3R) in various corneal diseases. [2+3+5]
  8. Describe the indications, evaluation, surgical techniques and complications of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implant. [2+3+3+2]
  9. Discuss the etiology, prevention and management of vision loss following orbital surgery. [3+3+4]
  10. Discuss evaluation and management of subluxated lens. [5+5]

Paper 4

  1. Discuss etiology, evaluation and management of pre macular hemorrhage? [2+4+4]
  2. a) Classify various IOP measuring modalities. [5] b) Describe sensimed triggerfish sensor and eyemate. [5]
  3. a) Fundus picture in a patient with 14 diopter myopia with peripheral lattice and enumerate complications if left untreated. [5] b) Discuss surgical correction of a 10 diopter myopic 20-year-old patient. [5]
  4. a) BANG surgery. [5] b) Newer drugs for ARMD management. [5]
  5. Discuss components, types, advantages and disadvantages of randomised clinical trials. [3+2+5]
  6. Describe role of robotic surgery in ophthalmology. [10]
  7. Discuss the etiopathogenesis, evaluation and management of giant retinal tear. [2+3+5]
  8. Describe the optics and role of scleral contact lens in ocular diseases. [3+7]
  9. Describe the tests for potential vision. [10]
  10. a) Enumerate the newer advances in refractive surgeries. [3] b) Compare and contrast the different procedures. [7]

High-Yield DNB Ophthalmology Topics

A selection of 26 of the 46 important topics curated in the app from repeated DNB Ophthalmology questions.

Glaucoma — highest yield in ophthalmology exams

  • Aqueous humour dynamics: production, outflow, drugs affecting IOP
  • Primary open-angle glaucoma: pathogenesis, optic disc changes, management (medical → surgical)
  • Primary angle-closure glaucoma: stages, laser iridotomy, medical vs surgical management

Cornea and ocular surface

  • Corneal anatomy, transparency factors, and corneal topography
  • Keratoconus: diagnosis, staging, C3R, contact lenses, keratoplasty (DALK, PK)
  • Microbial keratitis: bacterial, fungal, HSV — diagnosis and fortified antibiotic protocol

Retina and vitreous

  • Diabetic retinopathy: ETDRS classification, management (PRP, anti-VEGF), DME
  • ARMD: dry vs wet, anti-VEGF therapy (ranibizumab, aflibercept), AREDS supplements
  • Retinal vein occlusion: CRVO/BRVO — clinical features, management, trials

Uveitis and neuro-ophthalmology

  • Uveitis: SUN classification, anterior/intermediate/posterior/panuveitis workup and treatment
  • Endophthalmitis: acute postoperative vs endogenous, intravitreal antibiotics
  • Optic neuritis and papilloedema: causes, investigation, management

Lens and cataract

  • Cataract: types, evaluation, biometry, IOL power calculation, surgical techniques (SICS, phaco)
  • Complications of cataract surgery: PCO, endophthalmitis, dropped nucleus, corneal oedema
  • Congenital cataract and developmental glaucoma

Paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus

  • Amblyopia: detection, treatment (occlusion, penalization), critical period
  • Strabismus: concomitant vs incomitant, evaluation, surgical principles
  • Retinopathy of prematurity (see retina section); congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Orbit, lacrimal, and ocular oncology

  • Proptosis: differential diagnosis, imaging, thyroid eye disease (clinical activity score, management)
  • Orbital cellulitis vs preseptal cellulitis; cavernous sinus thrombosis
  • Lacrimal drainage system: dacryocystitis, DCR (external vs endoscopic)

Refractive surgery and low vision

  • Refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism; principles of LASIK/PRK
  • Low vision aids and rehabilitation; legal blindness certification in India

Community ophthalmology and recent advances

  • NPCBVI objectives; Vision 2020; cataract surgical rate indicators
  • OCT, FFA, indocyanine green angiography: indications and interpretation basics
  • Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology; gene therapy for inherited retinal disease

Older DNB Ophthalmology Question Papers & DipNB Papers

The remaining 26 papers are available in the Prep DNB app, organized paper-wise with repeat-question tracking.

Get all 28 papers in the app

Previous Year Questions for Other DNB Subjects