(COA) Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam Questions and Answers Latest Updated 2024/2025 | Scored A+

(COA) Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam Questions and Answers Latest Updated 2024/2025 | Scored A+. 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 Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Exam Questions and Answers | Updated 2024/2025 | Scored A+ 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 A localized area of reduced sensitivity in a visual field that is surrounded by an area of greater sensitivity is termed a ____. - Answer Scotoma 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 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 angleclosure 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 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 ____ 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 Which area of the cornea is the thickest? - Answer The stroma What type of pets should not be used on a patient with a lacerated globe? - Answer A pressure patch When long waiting times occur in the office what is the ophthalmic medical assistant's responsibility - Answer To communicate with patients and keep them informed in a sensitive manner What can be used to immobilize an infant for an ophthalmic examination? - Answer A papoose board ____ is any irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva - Answer Conjuntivitis In fundus photography, when the camera is too far from the eye, a ___ ___ will form around the image. - Answer Blue-Grey halo "Diagnostic" or "standardized" ____ are performed for quantitative evaluation of a tissue's structure, reflectivity, and sound absorption - Answer A-Scans ____ photography is used to photograph the anterior segment of the eye. - Answer Slit-lamp Specular photomicrography is a method of evaluating the ____ surface of the cornea. - Answer Endothelial The visual acuity notation 20/200 indicates the patient could see the 200 optotype at ____ feet. - Answer 20 If the patient perceives light and can indicate the source direction, the vision is recorded as ____. - Answer Light perception with projection (LPw/P) The distance of 20 feet is used in visual acuity assessment because it approximates____. - Answer Optical infinity The visual acuity value of 20/40 is expressed as the metric equivalent ____. - Answer 6/12 The pinhole acuity test is used to confirm whether ____ ____ is the cause of a decrease in visual acuity. - Answer Refractive error What is the normal range of intraocular pressure? - Answer 13-20 mm Hg Which method of tonometry is described as the measurement of the amount of pressure needed to flatten the cornea buy a standard amount? - Answer Applanation tonometry What measurement error is produced when the fluorescein rings are too narrow during applanation tonometry? - Answer Falsely low reading What measurement error is introduced when the patient holding his or her breath or wearing a collar that is buttoned too tightly, is applanated? - Answer Falsely high reading Measuring intraocular pressure is also called ____. - Answer Tonometry ____ ____ is a red dye useful in evaluating the integrity of the corneal epithelium. - Answer Rose bengal The ____ ____ test uses rainbow colored cups that must be arranged in order of similar hues - Answer Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue Certified Ophthalmic Assistant The ____ ____ ____ color vision test consists of a series of plates with a gray background and colored circles, crosses, and triangles - Answer Hardy-Rand-Ritter Name the tear deficiency test which uses strip of filter paper inserted into the lower fornix. - Answer Schirmer's Test While assessing visual acuity, the assistant notes the patient consistently misses the optotypes on the temporal side of the chart, indicating a possible. - Answer Visual field defect In Visual acuity assessment The brightness acuity tester (BAT) is used to evaluate ____ when there are opacities in the ocular media. - Answer Glare In patients with nystagmus, visual acuity often improves dramatically when the vision is assessed ____. - Answer Binocularly At what distance are adult near visual acuity charts designed to be read? - Answer 14-16 inches from the eye Normal visual acuity in a two month old infant may be estimated by ____. - Answer Fixation (follow at 3-months) What is the name of the instrument used to measure extension of the anterior surface of the cornea beyond the lateral orbital rim? - Answer Exophthalmeter Name at least one example of a glare testing device - Answer RVA, BAT (Brightness Acuity Test), or Eye Con Name the two measurements required to determine the dioptic power of the intraocular lens - Answer A-Scan (axial length of the eye) and Keratometry (corneal curvature) When performing A-Scan biometry, a 1mm error in axial length may result in a ____ diopters calculated IOL power error - Answer Three What is the term for the amount of time it takes for dry spots to form on the cornea when the eye is in a staring position - Answer BUT (break-up time) How is anterior chamber angle depth estimated using a slit lamp? - Answer A thin light beam is placed at the limbus at an angle of approximately 60° and the distance between the posterior limit of the corneal beam and the anterior limit of the iris beam is compared with the thickness of the optical section of the cornea Which two ocular structures can touch of the anterior chamber is flat? - Answer Iris and cornea Certified Ophthalmic Assistant When determining anterior chamber depth using a flashlight test, a shadow on the nasal iris indicates ____. - Answer Abnormally shallow anterior chamber (narrow angle) Ophthalmologists often estimate anterior chamber depth by measuring the angle between the ____ and ____ - Answer Anterior surface of the iris, posterior surface of the cornea Which color vision test consists of pseudo isochromatic plated that determine redgreen color anomalies and deficiencies? - Answer Ishihara Which color defects may be distinguished by the Ishihara test? - Answer Red and green How long are the Schirmer strips left in place during s tear test? - Answer 5 minutes A-Scan biometry measures the distance between ____ - Answer Internal ocular surfaces The chief use of A-Scan biometric is to measure the ____ ____ of the eye - Answer Axial length Jaeger notation, the point system, and the Snellen M Unit are units of measure used in recording ____ visual acuity. - Answer Near In the visual assessment the acronym PAM represents the principal testing device known as the ____. - Answer Potential Acuity Meter The ability of human vision to discern shapes by their relative lightness and darkness is termed____. - Answer Contrast sensitivity During visual acuity assessment the patient is able to clearly read the 20/20 line but misses one letter, the acuity is recorded as ____. - Answer 20/20-1 Why is it important to observe the patient during visual acuity testing? - Answer To ensure proper occlusion What drug classification is contraindicated in patient's with obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiovascular disease? - Answer Beta blockers What symptoms are involved with an allergic reaction to a topically administered drug? - Answer Edema of lids, redness, scaliness, vesicle formation, and oozing can occur with a reaction to an ophthalmic preparation What are some of the side effects of long-term steroid drops? - Answer Rise in intraocular pressure, cataracts, decreased wound healing, and decreased resistance to infection Certified Ophthalmic Assistant The absence of a lens in an eye is called____. - Answer Aphakia The presence of an intraocular lens (IOL) is called ____. - Answer Pseudophakia ____ is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins. - Answer Blepharitis Name the retinal receptors that function best in dim lighting, number about 125 million, and are found in the periphery of the retina. - Answer Rods Name the retinal receptors that are responsible for color vision, number about 6 million, and are found in the macula. - Answer Cones What is the term used when there is a difference in pupil size? - Answer Anisocoria What is pupillometry? - Answer The measurement of pupillary diameters What is the name for the reflexive reaction that occurs when light is directed into one pupil and the pupil of the opposite eye simultaneously reacts? - Answer Consensual pupillary reaction What is the term for the range of procedures used in medical environments to prevent the spread of infectious microbes? - Answer Aseptic technique. Surgical instruments most resistant to corrosion are made of ____ ____. - Answer Stainless Steel When creating a sterile field, the drapes are usually ____ to moisture to prevent contamination. - Answer Impermeable What is the most popular injected anesthetic for minor procedures? - Answer Lidocaine When performing cover-uncover test, the eye under the cover moves when uncovered, it is a ____, which is a ____ deviation. - Answer Phoria, latent Drainage of topical drops from the eye and their systemic absorption can be prevented by ____ ____. - Answer Punctal occlusion What medications are used as topical anesthetics? - Answer Proparacaine or tetracaine What is the color of bottle caps of prostaglandins? - Answer Teal What are the classificaitons of the three large groups of anti-infective agents? - Answer Antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals True allergic reaction can involve what symptoms? - Answer Itching, rash, difficulty breathing, weak or rapid pulse Certified Ophthalmic Assistant In terms of lens thickness, the greater the refractive index, the ____ the lens - Answer thinner The distance from the center of the pupil of one eye to the center of the pupil of the other eye is termed ____. - Answer Interpupillary Distance What is measured to obtain a monocular measurement of the IPD (interpupillary distance) - Answer The distance from the bridge of the nose to the center of a pupil. Explain how to transpose a spherocylinder lens from plus to minus cylinder form, or from minus to plus cylinder. - Answer Algebraically add the sphere and cylinder powers, retain the cylinder power but change the cylinder sign, and change the cylinder axis by 90 degrees. Transpose: +2.00 -2.50 x 90 -0.50 + 2.50 x 180 Which instrument measures the radius of curvature, or base curve, of a spectacle lens surface in diopters? - Answer Geneva lens clock or measure What is the spherical equivalent of -2.00 +3.00 x 90 - Answer -0.50 sphere The trifocal portion of a +2.00 reading add will be ____. - Answer +1.00 What is the name of the test to determine the correct myopic correction using red/green filter on the projector? - Answer Duochrome test