Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is the name of the screening visual field test where an examiner compares the patient's field with their own?

1. Confrontation field

2. Kinetic perimetry

3. Static perimetry

4. Blood pressure test

The correct answer is: Confrontation field

The screening visual field test where an examiner compares the patient's field with their own is known as confrontation field testing. This method involves the examiner presenting targets in their own visual field simultaneously with the patient, allowing for a quick assessment of peripheral vision. The examiner's own visual field acts as a reference to identify any areas where the patient may have deficits. This test is particularly useful in a clinical setting for a basic evaluation of a patient’s visual field and can help in detecting significant abnormalities that may require further, more detailed testing. It is a simple and rapid method that does not require sophisticated equipment, making it accessible for many practitioners. Kinetic perimetry involves moving a target in the visual field until it is detected, while static perimetry presents multiple points at fixed locations to evaluate visual sensitivity. Blood pressure tests do not assess visual fields and, therefore, are not related to this context.