CERTIFIED OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT
(COA)QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How are systemic medications administered? - ANSWEROrally, injection
(subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or intravenously
How should drops be properly instilled into a patient's eye? - ANSWERInto the lower cul
de sac (lower fornix)
What does the term idiosyncrasy refer to with ophthalmic drugs? - ANSWERA 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? - ANSWERLensometer
(Lensmeter)
When recording a prism in a spectacle prescription, what does the abbreviation BO
stand for? - ANSWERBase out
What is determined by focusing the thin lines in a manual lensometer? - ANSWERThe
sphere of the spectacle prescription
What is the first step in performing lensometry? - ANSWERFocus the eyepiece
When PRK is being performed, time remaining in the procedure should be announced
in increments of ______ - ANSWER10 seconds
Name the organism that is most destructive to the eye. - ANSWERPseudomonas
Aeruginosa
What procedure using an Argon Laser is thought to destroy areas of ischemic retina? -
ANSWERPanretinal photocoagulation or panretinal laser
What type of intraocular injection is made at the Pars plana site with a needle and
syringe of medication? - ANSWERIntravitreal injection
What are the parallel movements of the eyes from one gaze position to another -
ANSWERVersions
What is the movement of one eye called - ANSWERDuction
Versions and ductions are tested by using ________ to test the six pairs of _______
muscles. - ANSWERSix Cardinal positions, yoke
,The movement of the eye outward toward the temple is called _____ -
ANSWERAbduction
What is the technique used to measure the radius of curvature of the anterior corneal
surface? - ANSWERA-Scan Keratometry Length Measurements
Keratometry is performed with a device called a ______ - ANSWERKeratometer or
ophthalmometer
Give three examples in which a Keratometry measurement would be useful. -
ANSWERContact lens fitting, refractive surgery, intraocular lens calculations,
keratoconus
Keratometry is measured in _____ - ANSWERDiopters
Measuring intraocular pressure is also called _____ - ANSWERTonometry
The higher the intraocular pressure of an eye, the ____ the eye - ANSWERHarder
Applanation tonometry displaces less than ____ of aqueous. - ANSWER0.5 microliters
When recording intraocular pressure, the reading on the Goldmann applanation
tonometer scale should be multiplied by ____. - ANSWER10
Because there are no rods or cones in the optic nerve head a____ blind spot is created
in the normal visual field. - ANSWERPhysiologic
A defect in the patient's superior temporal retina, will affect the patient's ____ field of
vision. - ANSWERInferior nasal
The two basic methods employed to map the field of vision are ____ and ____
perimetry. - ANSWERKinetic, static
A localized area of reduced sensitivity in a visual field that is surrounded by an area of
greater sensitivity is termed a ____. - ANSWERScotoma
And unfocused eyepiece can lead to an error of ____. - ANSWER1 diopter in the K
reading
How many meridians are measured in keratometry? - ANSWER2 meridians (usually 90°
apart)
The average K reading is ____. - ANSWER43-44 diopters
Keratometry measures the____ of the anterior curvature of the cornea. -
ANSWERCentral 3.3 mm
,The diffusion of oxygen through a contact lens material is referred to as ____. -
ANSWERDK value
True or False: The application and evaluation of a diagnostic lens on the eye is the best
way to fit a contact lens - ANSWERTrue
Name the instrument used to determine the posterior surface radius of curvature of a
rigid contact lens. - ANSWERRadiuscope and or Contacto Gauge
Increased thirst, excessive urine, production, increased hunger and weight loss are
characteristics of which endocrine disease? - ANSWERDiabetes insipidus
What finding can occur 6 to 8 hours after a metallic foreign body enters the cornea? -
ANSWERRust ring
Why are alkali burns more serious than acid burns on the cornea? - ANSWERAlkali
burns penetrate deeper
Variability in the functions of levator and extraocular muscle is characteristic in which
systemic disease? - ANSWERMyasthenia gravis
What is the name of the mucous membrane covering the interior sclera? -
ANSWER(Bulbar) Conjunctiva
What type of glaucoma constitutes an ocular emergency? - ANSWERAcute angle-
closure glaucoma
Protocols for pressure patching or shields require that adhesive tape must be applied
from the ____ to the ____. - ANSWERBridge of the nose, ear lobe
What is the minimum thickness of safety lenses? - ANSWER3.0 mm
What is the name of the important screening process used in emergencies determine
the patient's ocular needs? - ANSWERTriage
What is a hemorrhage confined to the anterior chamber termed? - ANSWERHyphema
____ drugs induce contractions of the iris sphincter - ANSWERMiotic
Name the three types of ophthalmic preparations placed directly in the eye. -
ANSWERSolutions, suspensions, ointments
What is the main disadvantage of using an ophthalmic solution? - ANSWERThe
duration of contact with the eye is short, therefore it requires frequent instillation
, What is the disadvantage of using an ophthalmic ointment? - ANSWERThe 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. - ANSWERConfrontation
The ____ visual field test compares the boundaries of the patient's visual field with that
of the examiner. - ANSWERConfrontation
The Amsler grid test determines the presence and location of defects in the ____
portion of the visual field. - ANSWERCentral
During Amsler grid testing the patient should be instructed to view the grid through his
or her ____ correction. - ANSWERNear
Checking the calibration of the Goldmann applanation tomometer is performed with a
____. - ANSWERBalance or calibration rod
The Goldmann applanation to tonometer prism is best cleaned between patients with
____. - ANSWERHydrogen peroxide soaks or 1:10 bleach solution
Which dye solution is used when performing Goldmann applanation? -
ANSWERFluorescein dye
What is the diameter of the corneal area properly applanated by a Goldmann
tonometer? - ANSWER3.06 mm
____ photography documents the posterior segment of the eye. - ANSWERFundus
____ devices create three dimensional digital images of the optic nerve, and retina. -
ANSWERTomography
Three of the most common tomographic image devices are ____, ____, and ____. -
ANSWEROptical 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. - ANSWEROptic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer
Ophthalmic photography serves to ____ and ___ ophthalmic conditions. -
ANSWERDocument and diagnose
Which area of the cornea is the thickest? - ANSWERThe stroma
(COA)QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How are systemic medications administered? - ANSWEROrally, injection
(subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or intravenously
How should drops be properly instilled into a patient's eye? - ANSWERInto the lower cul
de sac (lower fornix)
What does the term idiosyncrasy refer to with ophthalmic drugs? - ANSWERA 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? - ANSWERLensometer
(Lensmeter)
When recording a prism in a spectacle prescription, what does the abbreviation BO
stand for? - ANSWERBase out
What is determined by focusing the thin lines in a manual lensometer? - ANSWERThe
sphere of the spectacle prescription
What is the first step in performing lensometry? - ANSWERFocus the eyepiece
When PRK is being performed, time remaining in the procedure should be announced
in increments of ______ - ANSWER10 seconds
Name the organism that is most destructive to the eye. - ANSWERPseudomonas
Aeruginosa
What procedure using an Argon Laser is thought to destroy areas of ischemic retina? -
ANSWERPanretinal photocoagulation or panretinal laser
What type of intraocular injection is made at the Pars plana site with a needle and
syringe of medication? - ANSWERIntravitreal injection
What are the parallel movements of the eyes from one gaze position to another -
ANSWERVersions
What is the movement of one eye called - ANSWERDuction
Versions and ductions are tested by using ________ to test the six pairs of _______
muscles. - ANSWERSix Cardinal positions, yoke
,The movement of the eye outward toward the temple is called _____ -
ANSWERAbduction
What is the technique used to measure the radius of curvature of the anterior corneal
surface? - ANSWERA-Scan Keratometry Length Measurements
Keratometry is performed with a device called a ______ - ANSWERKeratometer or
ophthalmometer
Give three examples in which a Keratometry measurement would be useful. -
ANSWERContact lens fitting, refractive surgery, intraocular lens calculations,
keratoconus
Keratometry is measured in _____ - ANSWERDiopters
Measuring intraocular pressure is also called _____ - ANSWERTonometry
The higher the intraocular pressure of an eye, the ____ the eye - ANSWERHarder
Applanation tonometry displaces less than ____ of aqueous. - ANSWER0.5 microliters
When recording intraocular pressure, the reading on the Goldmann applanation
tonometer scale should be multiplied by ____. - ANSWER10
Because there are no rods or cones in the optic nerve head a____ blind spot is created
in the normal visual field. - ANSWERPhysiologic
A defect in the patient's superior temporal retina, will affect the patient's ____ field of
vision. - ANSWERInferior nasal
The two basic methods employed to map the field of vision are ____ and ____
perimetry. - ANSWERKinetic, static
A localized area of reduced sensitivity in a visual field that is surrounded by an area of
greater sensitivity is termed a ____. - ANSWERScotoma
And unfocused eyepiece can lead to an error of ____. - ANSWER1 diopter in the K
reading
How many meridians are measured in keratometry? - ANSWER2 meridians (usually 90°
apart)
The average K reading is ____. - ANSWER43-44 diopters
Keratometry measures the____ of the anterior curvature of the cornea. -
ANSWERCentral 3.3 mm
,The diffusion of oxygen through a contact lens material is referred to as ____. -
ANSWERDK value
True or False: The application and evaluation of a diagnostic lens on the eye is the best
way to fit a contact lens - ANSWERTrue
Name the instrument used to determine the posterior surface radius of curvature of a
rigid contact lens. - ANSWERRadiuscope and or Contacto Gauge
Increased thirst, excessive urine, production, increased hunger and weight loss are
characteristics of which endocrine disease? - ANSWERDiabetes insipidus
What finding can occur 6 to 8 hours after a metallic foreign body enters the cornea? -
ANSWERRust ring
Why are alkali burns more serious than acid burns on the cornea? - ANSWERAlkali
burns penetrate deeper
Variability in the functions of levator and extraocular muscle is characteristic in which
systemic disease? - ANSWERMyasthenia gravis
What is the name of the mucous membrane covering the interior sclera? -
ANSWER(Bulbar) Conjunctiva
What type of glaucoma constitutes an ocular emergency? - ANSWERAcute angle-
closure glaucoma
Protocols for pressure patching or shields require that adhesive tape must be applied
from the ____ to the ____. - ANSWERBridge of the nose, ear lobe
What is the minimum thickness of safety lenses? - ANSWER3.0 mm
What is the name of the important screening process used in emergencies determine
the patient's ocular needs? - ANSWERTriage
What is a hemorrhage confined to the anterior chamber termed? - ANSWERHyphema
____ drugs induce contractions of the iris sphincter - ANSWERMiotic
Name the three types of ophthalmic preparations placed directly in the eye. -
ANSWERSolutions, suspensions, ointments
What is the main disadvantage of using an ophthalmic solution? - ANSWERThe
duration of contact with the eye is short, therefore it requires frequent instillation
, What is the disadvantage of using an ophthalmic ointment? - ANSWERThe 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. - ANSWERConfrontation
The ____ visual field test compares the boundaries of the patient's visual field with that
of the examiner. - ANSWERConfrontation
The Amsler grid test determines the presence and location of defects in the ____
portion of the visual field. - ANSWERCentral
During Amsler grid testing the patient should be instructed to view the grid through his
or her ____ correction. - ANSWERNear
Checking the calibration of the Goldmann applanation tomometer is performed with a
____. - ANSWERBalance or calibration rod
The Goldmann applanation to tonometer prism is best cleaned between patients with
____. - ANSWERHydrogen peroxide soaks or 1:10 bleach solution
Which dye solution is used when performing Goldmann applanation? -
ANSWERFluorescein dye
What is the diameter of the corneal area properly applanated by a Goldmann
tonometer? - ANSWER3.06 mm
____ photography documents the posterior segment of the eye. - ANSWERFundus
____ devices create three dimensional digital images of the optic nerve, and retina. -
ANSWERTomography
Three of the most common tomographic image devices are ____, ____, and ____. -
ANSWEROptical 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. - ANSWEROptic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer
Ophthalmic photography serves to ____ and ___ ophthalmic conditions. -
ANSWERDocument and diagnose
Which area of the cornea is the thickest? - ANSWERThe stroma
