Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What target should be used when performing the "push up" method of measure NPA?

1. 12 point type

2. 6 point type

3. 8 point type

4. 24 point type

The correct answer is: 6 point type

The "push up" method for measuring near point of accommodation (NPA) typically involves using a target that allows for clear viewing at close distances to effectively assess the patient's ability to focus. The standard practice is to use a target size that is small enough to challenge the visual system but still large enough to be seen comfortably by most patients. Using 6 point type aligns with common optometric practices, as it represents a small text size that is appropriate for this type of assessment. This size provides a good balance, allowing the practitioner to gauge how well the patient can focus on near objects without overwhelming them with too fine a print. Smaller sizes, such as 12 point or larger items, might make the test less effective at revealing near accommodation abilities, while excessively large targets like 24 point would not accurately reflect the challenges of reading smaller print.