California Optician Licensing Exam Test Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of an optician?
To fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses prescribed by an eye
care professional.
Opticians do not diagnose or treat eye diseases but work with
prescriptions to fit corrective lenses.
2. What type of lens is used to correct myopia?
Concave lens.
Concave lenses diverge light rays, which helps focus images correctly on
the retina for nearsighted individuals.
3. What does the abbreviation “OD” stand for in an eyeglass prescription?
Oculus Dexter (right eye).
OD is the Latin term used in prescriptions to indicate the right eye.
4. What unit is used to measure the refractive power of a lens?
Diopter.
Diopters quantify the focusing power of lenses, with positive for
converging and negative for diverging lenses.
5. Which part of the eyeglass frame rests on the nose?
Nose pads.
, Nose pads support the frame on the nose and help distribute weight
evenly for comfort.
6. What type of lens corrects astigmatism?
Cylindrical lens.
Cylindrical lenses have different powers in different meridians to correct
uneven curvature of the cornea or lens.
7. In a prescription, what does the abbreviation “ADD” refer to?
Addition power for near vision (in bifocal or multifocal lenses).
ADD indicates the extra magnifying power needed for reading or near
tasks.
8. What is the purpose of an anti-reflective coating on lenses?
To reduce glare and reflections from the lens surfaces.
This improves visual clarity and reduces eye strain, especially in low light
or while driving at night.
9. Which measurement defines the distance between the centers of the
pupils?
Pupillary distance (PD).
PD ensures lenses are properly aligned with the eyes for optimal vision
correction.
10.What type of lens material is the thinnest and lightest for high
prescriptions?
Polycarbonate or high-index plastic lenses.
These materials allow for thinner lenses with the same refractive power,
improving comfort and aesthetics.
,11.What does the term “prism” in a prescription indicate?
Correction for eye alignment problems by shifting the image.
Prism lenses help alleviate double vision by realigning visual input.
12.How often should contact lenses be replaced?
As prescribed by the manufacturer or eye care professional.
Replacement schedules vary: daily, biweekly, monthly, etc., to maintain
eye health.
13.What is the minimum age to legally dispense contact lenses in California?
No minimum age, but a valid prescription from an eye care provider is
required.
California requires a prescription but does not set a minimum age for
contact lens dispensing.
14.What is the main safety concern when working with ophthalmic frames?
Avoiding damage to the frame and ensuring patient safety.
Improper adjustments or damaged frames can injure the patient or impair
vision.
15.What is the OSHA standard regarding the use of hazardous chemicals in
lens edging?
Employers must provide proper ventilation and personal protective
equipment (PPE).
This reduces exposure to fumes and dust that could harm workers' health.
16.Which part of the frame holds the lenses in place?
The eyewire.
The eyewire surrounds the lens and secures it within the frame.
, 17.What is a B measurement on a frame?
The vertical height of the lens.
This is important for fitting multifocal or progressive lenses.
18.What does "PD" measurement help ensure when fitting glasses?
Proper centering of lenses over the pupil.
Correct PD prevents eye strain and distortion.
19.Which lens type has no thickness variation across the lens?
Plano lens.
Plano lenses have no refractive power and are used for cosmetic or safety
purposes.
20.What is the primary cause of presbyopia?
Age-related loss of lens elasticity.
This reduces the eye's ability to focus on near objects.
21.What does "OS" indicate on a prescription?
Oculus Sinister (left eye).
It refers to the left eye in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.
22.What is a common frame material that is lightweight and hypoallergenic?
Titanium.
Titanium is corrosion-resistant and ideal for sensitive skin.
23.What kind of lenses are used for bifocals?
Segmented lenses with two distinct optical powers.
One portion for distance and one for near vision.
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of an optician?
To fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses prescribed by an eye
care professional.
Opticians do not diagnose or treat eye diseases but work with
prescriptions to fit corrective lenses.
2. What type of lens is used to correct myopia?
Concave lens.
Concave lenses diverge light rays, which helps focus images correctly on
the retina for nearsighted individuals.
3. What does the abbreviation “OD” stand for in an eyeglass prescription?
Oculus Dexter (right eye).
OD is the Latin term used in prescriptions to indicate the right eye.
4. What unit is used to measure the refractive power of a lens?
Diopter.
Diopters quantify the focusing power of lenses, with positive for
converging and negative for diverging lenses.
5. Which part of the eyeglass frame rests on the nose?
Nose pads.
, Nose pads support the frame on the nose and help distribute weight
evenly for comfort.
6. What type of lens corrects astigmatism?
Cylindrical lens.
Cylindrical lenses have different powers in different meridians to correct
uneven curvature of the cornea or lens.
7. In a prescription, what does the abbreviation “ADD” refer to?
Addition power for near vision (in bifocal or multifocal lenses).
ADD indicates the extra magnifying power needed for reading or near
tasks.
8. What is the purpose of an anti-reflective coating on lenses?
To reduce glare and reflections from the lens surfaces.
This improves visual clarity and reduces eye strain, especially in low light
or while driving at night.
9. Which measurement defines the distance between the centers of the
pupils?
Pupillary distance (PD).
PD ensures lenses are properly aligned with the eyes for optimal vision
correction.
10.What type of lens material is the thinnest and lightest for high
prescriptions?
Polycarbonate or high-index plastic lenses.
These materials allow for thinner lenses with the same refractive power,
improving comfort and aesthetics.
,11.What does the term “prism” in a prescription indicate?
Correction for eye alignment problems by shifting the image.
Prism lenses help alleviate double vision by realigning visual input.
12.How often should contact lenses be replaced?
As prescribed by the manufacturer or eye care professional.
Replacement schedules vary: daily, biweekly, monthly, etc., to maintain
eye health.
13.What is the minimum age to legally dispense contact lenses in California?
No minimum age, but a valid prescription from an eye care provider is
required.
California requires a prescription but does not set a minimum age for
contact lens dispensing.
14.What is the main safety concern when working with ophthalmic frames?
Avoiding damage to the frame and ensuring patient safety.
Improper adjustments or damaged frames can injure the patient or impair
vision.
15.What is the OSHA standard regarding the use of hazardous chemicals in
lens edging?
Employers must provide proper ventilation and personal protective
equipment (PPE).
This reduces exposure to fumes and dust that could harm workers' health.
16.Which part of the frame holds the lenses in place?
The eyewire.
The eyewire surrounds the lens and secures it within the frame.
, 17.What is a B measurement on a frame?
The vertical height of the lens.
This is important for fitting multifocal or progressive lenses.
18.What does "PD" measurement help ensure when fitting glasses?
Proper centering of lenses over the pupil.
Correct PD prevents eye strain and distortion.
19.Which lens type has no thickness variation across the lens?
Plano lens.
Plano lenses have no refractive power and are used for cosmetic or safety
purposes.
20.What is the primary cause of presbyopia?
Age-related loss of lens elasticity.
This reduces the eye's ability to focus on near objects.
21.What does "OS" indicate on a prescription?
Oculus Sinister (left eye).
It refers to the left eye in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.
22.What is a common frame material that is lightweight and hypoallergenic?
Titanium.
Titanium is corrosion-resistant and ideal for sensitive skin.
23.What kind of lenses are used for bifocals?
Segmented lenses with two distinct optical powers.
One portion for distance and one for near vision.
