Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)
Exam with Complete Questions and
Answers
How are systemic medications administered? - ANSWER-Orally, injection
(subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or intravenously
How should drops be properly instilled into a patient's eye? - ANSWER-Into the lower
cul de sac (lower fornix)
What does the term idiosyncrasy refer to with ophthalmic drugs? - ANSWER-A bizarre,
peculiar reaction to a drug that is not commonly seen, such as tremors, excitability or
even collapse
What is the name of the instrument used to neutralize lenses? - ANSWER-Lensometer
(Lensmeter)
When recording a prism in a spectacle prescription, what does the abbreviation BO
stand for? - ANSWER-Base out
What is determined by focusing the thin lines in a manual lensometer? - ANSWER-The
sphere of the spectacle prescription
What is the first step in performing lensometry? - ANSWER-Focus the eyepiece
When PRK is being performed, time remaining in the procedure should be announced
in increments of ______ - ANSWER-10 seconds
Name the organism that is most destructive to the eye. - ANSWER-Pseudomonas
Aeruginosa
What procedure using an Argon Laser is thought to destroy areas of ischemic retina? -
ANSWER-Panretinal photocoagulation or panretinal laser
What type of intraocular injection is made at the Pars plana site with a needle and
syringe of medication? - ANSWER-Intravitreal injection
What are the parallel movements of the eyes from one gaze position to another -
ANSWER-Versions
What is the movement of one eye called - ANSWER-Duction
,Versions and ductions are tested by using ________ to test the six pairs of _______
muscles. - ANSWER-Six Cardinal positions, yoke
The movement of the eye outward toward the temple is called _____ - ANSWER-
Abduction
What is the technique used to measure the radius of curvature of the anterior corneal
surface? - ANSWER-A-Scan Keratometry Length Measurements
A localized area of reduced sensitivity in a visual field that is surrounded by an area of
greater sensitivity is termed a ____. - ANSWER-Scotoma
The Goldmann applanation to tonometer prism is best cleaned between patients with
____. - ANSWER-Hydrogen peroxide soaks or 1:10 bleach solution
Which dye solution is used when performing Goldmann applanation? - ANSWER-
Fluorescein dye
What is the diameter of the corneal area properly applanated by a Goldmann
tonometer? - ANSWER-3.06 mm
And unfocused eyepiece can lead to an error of ____. - ANSWER-1 diopter in the K
reading
How many meridians are measured in keratometry? - ANSWER-2 meridians (usually
90° apart)
The average K reading is ____. - ANSWER-43-44 diopters
Keratometry is performed with a device called a ______ - ANSWER-Keratometer or
ophthalmometer
Give three examples in which a Keratometry measurement would be useful. -
ANSWER-Contact lens fitting, refractive surgery, intraocular lens calculations,
keratoconus
Keratometry is measured in _____ - ANSWER-Diopters
Measuring intraocular pressure is also called _____ - ANSWER-Tonometry
The higher the intraocular pressure of an eye, the ____ the eye - ANSWER-Harder
Applanation tonometry displaces less than ____ of aqueous. - ANSWER-0.5 microliters
When recording intraocular pressure, the reading on the Goldmann applanation
tonometer scale should be multiplied by ____. - ANSWER-10
,Because there are no rods or cones in the optic nerve head a____ blind spot is created
in the normal visual field. - ANSWER-Physiologic
A defect in the patient's superior temporal retina, will affect the patient's ____ field of
vision. - ANSWER-Inferior nasal
The two basic methods employed to map the field of vision are ____ and ____
perimetry. - ANSWER-Kinetic, static
Keratometry measures the____ of the anterior curvature of the cornea. - ANSWER-
Central 3.3 mm
The diffusion of oxygen through a contact lens material is referred to as ____. -
ANSWER-DK value
True or False: The application and evaluation of a diagnostic lens on the eye is the best
way to fit a contact lens - ANSWER-True
Name the instrument used to determine the posterior surface radius of curvature of a
rigid contact lens. - ANSWER-Radiuscope and or Contacto Gauge
Increased thirst, excessive urine, production, increased hunger and weight loss are
characteristics of which endocrine disease? - ANSWER-Diabetes insipidus
What finding can occur 6 to 8 hours after a metallic foreign body enters the cornea? -
ANSWER-Rust ring
Why are alkali burns more serious than acid burns on the cornea? - ANSWER-Alkali
burns penetrate deeper
Variability in the functions of levator and extraocular muscle is characteristic in which
systemic disease? - ANSWER-Myasthenia gravis
What is the name of the mucous membrane covering the interior sclera? - ANSWER-
(Bulbar) Conjunctiva
What type of glaucoma constitutes an ocular emergency? - ANSWER-Acute angle-
closure glaucoma
Protocols for pressure patching or shields require that adhesive tape must be applied
from the ____ to the ____. - ANSWER-Bridge of the nose, ear lobe
What is the minimum thickness of safety lenses? - ANSWER-3.0 mm
, What is the name of the important screening process used in emergencies determine
the patient's ocular needs? - ANSWER-Triage
What is a hemorrhage confined to the anterior chamber termed? - ANSWER-Hyphema
____ drugs induce contractions of the iris sphincter - ANSWER-Miotic
Name the three types of ophthalmic preparations placed directly in the eye. - ANSWER-
Solutions, suspensions, ointments
What is the main disadvantage of using an ophthalmic solution? - ANSWER-The
duration of contact with the eye is short, therefore it requires frequent instillation
What is the disadvantage of using an ophthalmic ointment? - ANSWER-The ointment
reduces vision by creating a greasy film over the surface of the cornea, and is best used
at bedtime.
Gross evaluation of the patient's peripheral vision can be accomplished with ____ visual
field testing. - ANSWER-Confrontation
The ____ visual field test compares the boundaries of the patient's visual field with that
of the examiner. - ANSWER-Confrontation
The Amsler grid test determines the presence and location of defects in the ____
portion of the visual field. - ANSWER-Central
During Amsler grid testing the patient should be instructed to view the grid through his
or her ____ correction. - ANSWER-Near
Checking the calibration of the Goldmann applanation tomometer is performed with a
____. - ANSWER-Balance or calibration rod
____ photography documents the posterior segment of the eye. - ANSWER-Fundus
____ devices create three dimensional digital images of the optic nerve, and retina. -
ANSWER-Tomography
Three of the most common tomographic image devices are ____, ____, and ____. -
ANSWER-Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Heidelberg Retinal Tomography
(HRT), and GDx scanner laser polorimeter
The data provided by tomographic devices are useful in evaluating progressive ____
and ____ damage. - ANSWER-Optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer
Ophthalmic photography serves to ____ and ___ ophthalmic conditions. - ANSWER-
Document and diagnose
Exam with Complete Questions and
Answers
How are systemic medications administered? - ANSWER-Orally, injection
(subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or intravenously
How should drops be properly instilled into a patient's eye? - ANSWER-Into the lower
cul de sac (lower fornix)
What does the term idiosyncrasy refer to with ophthalmic drugs? - ANSWER-A bizarre,
peculiar reaction to a drug that is not commonly seen, such as tremors, excitability or
even collapse
What is the name of the instrument used to neutralize lenses? - ANSWER-Lensometer
(Lensmeter)
When recording a prism in a spectacle prescription, what does the abbreviation BO
stand for? - ANSWER-Base out
What is determined by focusing the thin lines in a manual lensometer? - ANSWER-The
sphere of the spectacle prescription
What is the first step in performing lensometry? - ANSWER-Focus the eyepiece
When PRK is being performed, time remaining in the procedure should be announced
in increments of ______ - ANSWER-10 seconds
Name the organism that is most destructive to the eye. - ANSWER-Pseudomonas
Aeruginosa
What procedure using an Argon Laser is thought to destroy areas of ischemic retina? -
ANSWER-Panretinal photocoagulation or panretinal laser
What type of intraocular injection is made at the Pars plana site with a needle and
syringe of medication? - ANSWER-Intravitreal injection
What are the parallel movements of the eyes from one gaze position to another -
ANSWER-Versions
What is the movement of one eye called - ANSWER-Duction
,Versions and ductions are tested by using ________ to test the six pairs of _______
muscles. - ANSWER-Six Cardinal positions, yoke
The movement of the eye outward toward the temple is called _____ - ANSWER-
Abduction
What is the technique used to measure the radius of curvature of the anterior corneal
surface? - ANSWER-A-Scan Keratometry Length Measurements
A localized area of reduced sensitivity in a visual field that is surrounded by an area of
greater sensitivity is termed a ____. - ANSWER-Scotoma
The Goldmann applanation to tonometer prism is best cleaned between patients with
____. - ANSWER-Hydrogen peroxide soaks or 1:10 bleach solution
Which dye solution is used when performing Goldmann applanation? - ANSWER-
Fluorescein dye
What is the diameter of the corneal area properly applanated by a Goldmann
tonometer? - ANSWER-3.06 mm
And unfocused eyepiece can lead to an error of ____. - ANSWER-1 diopter in the K
reading
How many meridians are measured in keratometry? - ANSWER-2 meridians (usually
90° apart)
The average K reading is ____. - ANSWER-43-44 diopters
Keratometry is performed with a device called a ______ - ANSWER-Keratometer or
ophthalmometer
Give three examples in which a Keratometry measurement would be useful. -
ANSWER-Contact lens fitting, refractive surgery, intraocular lens calculations,
keratoconus
Keratometry is measured in _____ - ANSWER-Diopters
Measuring intraocular pressure is also called _____ - ANSWER-Tonometry
The higher the intraocular pressure of an eye, the ____ the eye - ANSWER-Harder
Applanation tonometry displaces less than ____ of aqueous. - ANSWER-0.5 microliters
When recording intraocular pressure, the reading on the Goldmann applanation
tonometer scale should be multiplied by ____. - ANSWER-10
,Because there are no rods or cones in the optic nerve head a____ blind spot is created
in the normal visual field. - ANSWER-Physiologic
A defect in the patient's superior temporal retina, will affect the patient's ____ field of
vision. - ANSWER-Inferior nasal
The two basic methods employed to map the field of vision are ____ and ____
perimetry. - ANSWER-Kinetic, static
Keratometry measures the____ of the anterior curvature of the cornea. - ANSWER-
Central 3.3 mm
The diffusion of oxygen through a contact lens material is referred to as ____. -
ANSWER-DK value
True or False: The application and evaluation of a diagnostic lens on the eye is the best
way to fit a contact lens - ANSWER-True
Name the instrument used to determine the posterior surface radius of curvature of a
rigid contact lens. - ANSWER-Radiuscope and or Contacto Gauge
Increased thirst, excessive urine, production, increased hunger and weight loss are
characteristics of which endocrine disease? - ANSWER-Diabetes insipidus
What finding can occur 6 to 8 hours after a metallic foreign body enters the cornea? -
ANSWER-Rust ring
Why are alkali burns more serious than acid burns on the cornea? - ANSWER-Alkali
burns penetrate deeper
Variability in the functions of levator and extraocular muscle is characteristic in which
systemic disease? - ANSWER-Myasthenia gravis
What is the name of the mucous membrane covering the interior sclera? - ANSWER-
(Bulbar) Conjunctiva
What type of glaucoma constitutes an ocular emergency? - ANSWER-Acute angle-
closure glaucoma
Protocols for pressure patching or shields require that adhesive tape must be applied
from the ____ to the ____. - ANSWER-Bridge of the nose, ear lobe
What is the minimum thickness of safety lenses? - ANSWER-3.0 mm
, What is the name of the important screening process used in emergencies determine
the patient's ocular needs? - ANSWER-Triage
What is a hemorrhage confined to the anterior chamber termed? - ANSWER-Hyphema
____ drugs induce contractions of the iris sphincter - ANSWER-Miotic
Name the three types of ophthalmic preparations placed directly in the eye. - ANSWER-
Solutions, suspensions, ointments
What is the main disadvantage of using an ophthalmic solution? - ANSWER-The
duration of contact with the eye is short, therefore it requires frequent instillation
What is the disadvantage of using an ophthalmic ointment? - ANSWER-The ointment
reduces vision by creating a greasy film over the surface of the cornea, and is best used
at bedtime.
Gross evaluation of the patient's peripheral vision can be accomplished with ____ visual
field testing. - ANSWER-Confrontation
The ____ visual field test compares the boundaries of the patient's visual field with that
of the examiner. - ANSWER-Confrontation
The Amsler grid test determines the presence and location of defects in the ____
portion of the visual field. - ANSWER-Central
During Amsler grid testing the patient should be instructed to view the grid through his
or her ____ correction. - ANSWER-Near
Checking the calibration of the Goldmann applanation tomometer is performed with a
____. - ANSWER-Balance or calibration rod
____ photography documents the posterior segment of the eye. - ANSWER-Fundus
____ devices create three dimensional digital images of the optic nerve, and retina. -
ANSWER-Tomography
Three of the most common tomographic image devices are ____, ____, and ____. -
ANSWER-Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Heidelberg Retinal Tomography
(HRT), and GDx scanner laser polorimeter
The data provided by tomographic devices are useful in evaluating progressive ____
and ____ damage. - ANSWER-Optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer
Ophthalmic photography serves to ____ and ___ ophthalmic conditions. - ANSWER-
Document and diagnose
