OD on the GO Comparision
Compare OD on the GO, KMK, and Optoprep
OD on the GO vs. KMK vs. OptoPrep for NBEO Part 1: Which Board Review Course Is Right for You?
Preparing for the NBEO Part 1 (Applied Basic Science) exam is one of the biggest challenges in optometry school. With thousands of concepts covering optics, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ocular disease, binocular vision, contact lenses, and vision science, choosing the right board review program can make a significant difference in your preparation.
Students often ask:
Is OD on the GO better than KMK for Part 1?
Should I use OptoPrep or KMK?
Can I pass NBEO Part 1 with only one study resource?
The answer depends on your learning style. Every program has strengths, and many students even combine resources. Here's an objective comparison to help you decide.
NBEO Part 1 Comparison
| Feature | OD on the GO | KMK | OptoPrep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Comprehensive Part 1 review | Comprehensive Part 1 review | Practice questions & exam simulation |
| High-Yield Video Lectures | ✅ Extensive | ✅ Extensive | Limited |
| Digital Flashcards | ✅ 7,000+ | Limited | ❌ No |
| Board-Style Practice Questions | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Extensive |
| Full-Length Practice Exams | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Subject Quizzes | ✅ Yes | Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Study Calendar Included | ✅ Yes | Varies | ❌ No |
| Mobile-Friendly Learning | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Printed Review Book Available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Primarily Digital |
| Beginner-Friendly | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | Better for review after studying |
Which Students Benefit Most from OD on the GO?
OD on the GO was designed for students who want multiple ways to learn the same material.
Instead of relying on a single teaching format, students can reinforce concepts using:
Comprehensive video lectures
Over 7,000 digital flashcards
Subject-specific quizzes
Full-length practice exams
High-yield review notes
Study calendars
Clinical correlations that connect the basic sciences to patient care
This approach helps students review material repeatedly using different learning methods, which can improve long-term retention.
Who Might Prefer KMK?
KMK has been one of the most recognized names in optometry board preparation for many years.
Students who enjoy:
Structured lecture series
Guided study plans
Traditional classroom-style teaching
Printed review books
often find KMK to be a good fit.
Who Might Prefer OptoPrep?
OptoPrep is best known for its large collection of board-style practice questions.
Students frequently use it to:
Assess their readiness before the exam
Identify weak subject areas
Practice answering questions under timed conditions
Build confidence before test day
Many students use OptoPrep as a supplement during the final weeks of studying.
Feature Comparison
| Learning Resource | OD on the GO | KMK | OptoPrep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Learning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Flashcard Review | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Practice Questions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Practice Exams | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Clinical Correlation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Daily Review | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ideal for Visual Learners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Can You Combine Resources?
Absolutely.
Many successful students use a combination of resources. A common approach is to:
Learn new concepts through lectures.
Reinforce them with flashcards.
Test understanding using practice questions.
Build endurance with full-length practice exams.
The key is consistency—not the number of resources you own.
What Makes OD on the GO Different?
Our philosophy is simple:
Students remember concepts better when they interact with the material repeatedly.
That's why our Part 1 program combines multiple learning methods in one place.
You'll find:
High-yield video lectures
More than 7,000 digital flashcards
Subject quizzes
Full-length board-style exams
Study schedules
Clinical explanations that connect basic science to real patient care
Rather than memorizing isolated facts, you'll build the understanding needed to answer challenging NBEO questions with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one board review course enough?
For many students, yes. A comprehensive review program combined with consistent daily study can be enough to prepare successfully. Others choose to supplement with additional practice questions as the exam approaches.
Which resource has the most flashcards?
OD on the GO includes over 7,000 digital flashcards, making it one of the largest flashcard libraries available for NBEO Part 1 preparation.
Which resource has the most practice questions?
All three programs provide practice questions, though they differ in teaching style. Some emphasize concept review alongside questions, while others focus more heavily on question-bank practice. Students should review each provider's current offerings to determine which best matches their study preferences.
Which board review is best for first-time test takers?
Many first-time test takers benefit from a resource that combines lectures, active recall (flashcards), quizzes, and full-length practice exams rather than relying on a single study format.
Final Thoughts
There is no universal "best" NBEO Part 1 board review program. The best choice depends on how you learn and which study methods keep you engaged.
If you're looking for a comprehensive learning experience that combines video instruction, thousands of flashcards, practice questions, quizzes, and realistic board-style exams, OD on the GO was designed with active learning in mind.
Whatever resource you choose, begin studying early, follow a structured schedule, review consistently, and focus on understanding concepts—not just memorizing facts. That's the strategy that gives you the best chance of success on NBEO Part 1.