Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

During a confrontation visual field test, which best describes the examiner's role?

1. To manipulate visual stimuli without patient input

2. To assess peripheral vision using one eye at a time

3. To measure central vision acuity in dim light

4. To conduct formalized threshold testing

The correct answer is: To assess peripheral vision using one eye at a time

The examiner's role during a confrontation visual field test primarily involves assessing the patient's peripheral vision while ideally having one eye covered at a time. This approach allows the examiner to determine whether the patient can perceive visual stimuli located in their peripheral field of vision compared to the examiner’s own vision. This informal testing method enables the detection of any gross visual field defects and assists in identifying potential conditions that could affect peripheral vision, such as glaucoma or retinal issues. The other options relate to different aspects of visual examination that are not specific to the confrontation visual field test. For instance, manipulating visual stimuli without patient input suggests a more controlled testing environment typical of other visual field testing methods, rather than the interactive nature of confrontation testing. Measuring central vision acuity in dim light is specific to an acuity test rather than evaluating peripheral vision. Conducting formalized threshold testing refers to methods used in perimetry to measure the exact sensitivity of the visual field, which goes beyond the basic scope of the confrontation test.