Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Retinoscopy is an example of which type of refractometry?

1. Subjective

2. Objective

3. Static

4. Kinematic

The correct answer is: Objective

Retinoscopy is classified as objective refractometry because it measures the way light reflects off the retina to determine refractive errors, without relying on the patient's subjective responses about their vision. The procedure involves the practitioner observing the motion of the light reflex on the retina while using a retinoscope, which helps in assessing whether the patient is myopic, hyperopic, or astigmatic. In contrast, subjective refractometry involves the patient's input to identify the clarity of their vision, typically through methods like using an eye chart and asking for preferences between different lens prescriptions. Static and kinematic refer to specific types of measurements related to the eye’s refractive state. Static measurements assess refraction while the eye is at rest, while kinematic measurements involve moving targets or dynamic conditions, which are not applicable to retinoscopy. Thus, objective refractometry specifically describes the nature of retinoscopy, distinguishing it from the other types mentioned.