Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Which test is NOT suitable for acuity testing in illiterate persons and preschool children?

1. Allen cards

2. A potential acuity meter

3. E Cube

4. Landolts broken ring chart

The correct answer is: A potential acuity meter

The potential acuity meter is not suitable for acuity testing in illiterate persons and preschool children because it primarily measures the potential visual acuity of the retina by using a light source rather than standardized visual acuity chart methods that require patient responses based on recognition. This device is often used for patients with media opacities, where traditional testing may not provide an accurate measurement. In contrast, other options such as Allen cards and the E Cube are specifically designed for younger children or those who cannot read. Allen cards use pictures that children can recognize, making them more accessible for illiterate individuals. The Landolts broken ring chart, while somewhat more complex, provides a way to test visual acuity without requiring literacy by having the patient indicate the orientation of a gap in the rings, which is understandable even for those without reading skills. Each of these tests allows for visual acuity assessment through recognition or identification rather than requiring reading ability or familiarity with letters.