Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)
Exam 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
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 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
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
Exam 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
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 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
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
