2025-2026 Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 2

Section 2 of the Academy's Basic and Clinical Science Course (TM) (BCSC (R)) provides the essential scientific grounding for current ophthalmic practice with discussions about ocular anatomy, embryology, biochemistry and metabolism in the eye, and ocular pharmacology. BCSC Section 2 features clinical content on biosimilar drugs, ocular penetration of systemically administered antimicrobial agents, and pediatric dosing. This section contains Clinical Pearl and content boxes that emphasize essential concepts. This section includes expanded clinical content on ophthalmic drug delivery, ophthalmic preservatives, and growth factors, a section dedicated to VEGF and VEGF inhibitors, and an expanded table on immunomodulatory therapy. Section 2 includes an updated genetics section with expanded knowledge on CRISPR and pedigree analysis, and an expanded chapter on digital ophthalmology with a focus on artificial intelligence. Deepen your understanding with eight clinical videos, five animations (sample), and five interactive activities. Both print and eBook users have access to videos and interactive activities. Upon completion of Section 2, readers should be able to: Describe the anastomoses in the orbit between the external and internal carotid arteries Describe the elements of the visual cycle and phototransduction cascade and their relation to vision and inherited retinal diseases Draw a pedigree diagram and identify the main patterns of inheritance