Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which test assesses visual field by presenting the same number of fingers simultaneously on each side of the vertical meridian?

1. Oppenheim's test

2. Kinetic perimetry

3. Static perimetry

4. Finger count test

The correct answer is: Oppenheim's test

The test that assesses visual field by presenting the same number of fingers simultaneously on each side of the vertical meridian is known as Oppenheim's test. This test helps in evaluating peripheral vision by determining the patient's ability to detect fingers presented on both sides at the same time. The main purpose of Oppenheim's test is to identify any abnormality in the visual field, particularly in cases where the patient may have a unilateral visual field defect. By presenting fingers on both sides, it allows for a comparison between the two visual fields, helping to reveal issues like a homonymous hemianopia or other types of partial visual field loss. Kinetic perimetry involves moving stimuli into the patient's visual field until detected, while static perimetry presents fixed targets of various intensities to map the visual field. The finger count test typically involves the patient counting the number of fingers presented within their visual field rather than assessing equal presentation on either side of the visual midline. Thus, Oppenheim's test is specifically tailored for evaluating symmetrical visual fields, making it the appropriate choice in this context.