OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL ASSISTANT EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
When should the consent form for surgery be completed?
- ANSWER-Prior to the procedure, before any medications
are administered
In what position is the patient placed during surgery? -
ANSWER-Supine
Name 3 types of ocular emergencies that may require
surgical intervention - ANSWER-Lacerated globes and
,eyelids; intraocular foreign bodies; acute glaucoma; and,
intraocular hemorrhage
What should pre-operative patients bring to their surgical
appointment? - ANSWER-A list of medications and
allergies
When scheduling a patient for surgery, what information is
needed for scheduling purposes? - ANSWER-Patient
name, date of birth, type of insurance, contact information,
procedure, anesthesia, operative eye, and length of time
needed for the procedure
,When preparing a patient for surgery, when are vital signs
taken, as well as when are dilating drops and sedatives
administered? - ANSWER-Prior to surgery
Who should a patient speak to if they are uncomfortable
under the surgical drape? - ANSWER-The surgeon,
anesthetist, or the nurse
What test is performed pre-operatively to determine axial
length? - ANSWER-A-scan
If a patient is scheduled for extraocular muscle surgery,
what diagnostic tests are generally performed? -
, ANSWER-External photography and muscle balance
measurements
What are vital signs? - ANSWER-Measurement of blood
pressure, pulse, and respirations
What is the most common cause of corrosion of
instruments? - ANSWER-Inadequate cleaning and drying.
Particles or materials that remain on the surface following
sterilization
What are 3 types of operative admissions for surgery? -
ANSWER-Emergency, urgent, and elective
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
When should the consent form for surgery be completed?
- ANSWER-Prior to the procedure, before any medications
are administered
In what position is the patient placed during surgery? -
ANSWER-Supine
Name 3 types of ocular emergencies that may require
surgical intervention - ANSWER-Lacerated globes and
,eyelids; intraocular foreign bodies; acute glaucoma; and,
intraocular hemorrhage
What should pre-operative patients bring to their surgical
appointment? - ANSWER-A list of medications and
allergies
When scheduling a patient for surgery, what information is
needed for scheduling purposes? - ANSWER-Patient
name, date of birth, type of insurance, contact information,
procedure, anesthesia, operative eye, and length of time
needed for the procedure
,When preparing a patient for surgery, when are vital signs
taken, as well as when are dilating drops and sedatives
administered? - ANSWER-Prior to surgery
Who should a patient speak to if they are uncomfortable
under the surgical drape? - ANSWER-The surgeon,
anesthetist, or the nurse
What test is performed pre-operatively to determine axial
length? - ANSWER-A-scan
If a patient is scheduled for extraocular muscle surgery,
what diagnostic tests are generally performed? -
, ANSWER-External photography and muscle balance
measurements
What are vital signs? - ANSWER-Measurement of blood
pressure, pulse, and respirations
What is the most common cause of corrosion of
instruments? - ANSWER-Inadequate cleaning and drying.
Particles or materials that remain on the surface following
sterilization
What are 3 types of operative admissions for surgery? -
ANSWER-Emergency, urgent, and elective
