Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

How would you accurately record a visual acuity of 20/50 tested at 10 feet?

1. 20/50

2. 10/50

3. 20/100

4. 10/100

The correct answer is: 10/50

To accurately record a visual acuity of 20/50 tested at 10 feet, the visual acuity should be converted to a standard distance of 20 feet. The notation "20/50" indicates that the individual can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 50 feet. However, since the test was conducted at 10 feet instead of 20, the acuity must be adjusted accordingly. When performing a visual acuity test at a distance shorter than the standard 20 feet, you can use the formula to convert it, which involves doubling the denominator when the test distance is halved. For example, if a visual acuity of 20/50 is measured at 10 feet, it reflects the same level of vision as 10/50 when interpreted over the shorter distance. Thus, the recorded value is adjusted to a ratio that maintains the same level of acuity representation but accurately reflects the distance at which it was tested. Therefore, the correct way to record the visual acuity tested at 10 feet is 10/50, reflecting the original finding while adhering to the testing parameters.