Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What does a medical clinic often use instead of OD, OS, and OU in paperwork?

1. RE, LE, BE

2. OD, OS, OU

3. R, L, B

4. R, L, U

The correct answer is: RE, LE, BE

In medical clinics, particularly in optometry and ophthalmology, the terms OD (oculus dexter), OS (oculus sinister), and OU (oculus uterque) are commonly used to refer to the right eye, left eye, and both eyes, respectively. However, in some instances, clinics may opt for alternative abbreviations that can be clearer or more straightforward for patient records or communication among medical professionals. The abbreviation "RE" stands for "right eye," "LE" stands for "left eye," and "BE" denotes "both eyes." This terminology is often preferred because it is less likely to cause confusion, especially for individuals who may not be familiar with Latin terminology. By using these simpler abbreviations, clinics can enhance patient understanding and streamline communication about eye health. The other options utilize variations of single-letter abbreviations or include terms that are not standard. While those might have specific interpretations within certain contexts, they do not provide the clarity or standardized understanding that "RE, LE, BE" achieves. Thus, the use of these different abbreviations facilitates better communication in medical documentation.