The Practical Examination
This Part will be revised soon
PART A: Optics and Optical Appliances
PATIENT CARE
Patient Care for Part A consists of a 6 station practical examination to be taken in 1 day.
Station examination
The following 10 skills will be tested during the practical station examination.
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2
3
4
5
6
7
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Frame manufacture
Frame selection
Frame adjustment
Lens type and diameter selection
Lens centring measurement
Lens edging
Lens verification
Optical device recognition
Patient communication and education
The format of the examination is as followsSession 1:
4 x 60 minute stations
Session 2:
2 x 90 minute stations
There will be a 10 minute interval between each station and a break of 1 hour between session 1 and session 2.
Listed below are the assessments to be performed at each station. This information will be available during the examinatio
and at each station. Copies of the evaluation forms used by the examiners to assess candidate performance are provided in
the Candidate Guide.
SESSION 1
Station 1
1(a)
Progressive Lens Spectacles- Measurements
Description of content
The candidate is given a set of suitable "nylon"-type rimless frames and has to carry out all needed measurements
to assemble a pair of progressive lens spectacles for the patient.
Different patterns for the lens shape are provided at the choice of the candidate according to the anatomic shape
of the patient.
The definition of the location of the lenses centration point is to be defined by tracing the centre point on a pair
of plano organic test lenses.
The candidate must:
select the frame and the shape of the lens to be used according to the patient’s physiognomy
edge two organic plano test lenses, to be used in the tracing of the centering point for the right and left eye.
measure the interpupillary distance for distance vision (total / right eye / left eye)
measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the pattern to the centering point. (right eye / left eye )
measure the interpupillary distance for near vision ( total / right eye / left eye )
trace the location of the centering point on the test lenses
determine the requested lens diameter according to the selected lens shape and the location of the
centering point.
1
1(b)
Aspheric Lens/Single Vision- Measurements
Description of content
The candidate is given a frame and two plastic tracing sheets and has to carry out all the required measure
for the centration of aspheric lenses
The candidate must:
a) determine the location of the optical centres and trace them on the plastic sheets
b) verify the position of the centration points with the frame in place
c) determine the minimum lens diameter
Material:
•
•
•
•
•
Nylon-type rimless frame
Metal or plastics frame
Different lens shape patterns suiting the rimless frame
Organic plano test lenses
Plastic tracing sheets for centration job
Equipment:
•
•
•
Pattern-type automatic edging machine
Ruler
Indelible pen
Station 2
2(a)
Progressive Lens Spectacles - Workshop
Description of content
The candidate has to assemble the pair of nylon-type rimless spectacles according to the centering values
specified on the lab worksheet.
The lenses are to be edged on a pattern-type automatic edging machine.
The lenses have to be grooved in the centre of the edge by using a manual-grooving machine.
The candidate must:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
measure the lenses with a focimeter and state the values for sphere, cylinder, axis and addition
block the lenses
edge the lenses on a pattern-type automatic edging machine
groove the lenses with a manual grooving machine
assemble the pair of spectacles
set-up the pair of spectacles in the requested way
The candidate is given:
•
•
•
the rimless frame similar to the frame used in Station 1
edging pattern for the selected lens shape
a pair of progressive lenses
Note: A new frame may be given to the candidate without penalty, if initial frame is proven defective. One replacement
lens per eye may be given to the candidate without penalty. There will be only one replacement lens per eye available.
Material:
2
•
•
•
•
nylon-type rimless frame
edging pattern
two progressive lenses with unknown* dioptric values
manufacturer lens templates
Equipment:
• focimeter
• pattern-type automatic edging machine
• manual grooving machine
• Workshop equipment: pliers, screwdrivers, indelible ink pens
* the exact dioptric values of the lenses will be known to the Examiners
Station 3
3(a)
Progressive Lens Spectacles- Evaluation and Fitting
Description of Content
The candidate has to correctly fit the pair of spectacles to the patient's head and has to verify the location
the lens centration points in place.
The candidate must:
a)
b)
c)
d)
check that the assembled pair of progressive spectacles confirm to the measurement established in sta
correctly fit the pair of progressive spectacles to the patient’s head
check the proper location of the lens centration points in situ
instruct the patient in the use of his new pair of progressive spectacles
The candidate is given:
•
•
an assembled pair of progressive spectacles
the related centration information
3(b) - 3(e) Spectacle and lens type evaluation, measurement of frames and lenses and identification of
speciality glasses
Description of content
The candidate has to identify a selection of different spectacles, lenses and frames.
3(b)
The candidate must:
a) mark the manufacturers engravings and trace the far centre cross by using the manufacturers tem
b) measure the values of sphere, cylinder, axis and addition
c) measure the interpupillary distance for far vision of the pair of spectacles
The candidate is given:
•
a pair of progressive lens spectacles
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3(c)The candidate must:
a) measure the values of sphere, cylinder, axis and addition
b) measure the interpupillary distance for near vision of the pair of spectacles
The candidate is given:
•
a pair of bifocal spectacles
3(d)The candidate must:
a) determine the boxing key figures of the frames
b) state the type of frame material
The candidate is given:
•
three frames without any markings of brand and size (metal, plastic and rimless)
3(e)The candidate must:
a) measure the values of sphere, cylinder and axis
b) measure the interpupillary distance for far vision of the pair of spectacles.
c) explain the engravings on the frame and lenses.
The candidate is given:
•
a pair of single vision corrective safety glasses
Material:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
workshop equipment: pliers, screwdrivers, indelible ink pens etc.
a selection of progressive lens spectacles
a selection of bifocal lens spectacles
a selection of unnamed metal, plastic and rimless frames
a selection of single vision safety spectacles
manufacturers templates for progressive lenses
manufacturers templates for bifocal lenses
Equipment:
•
•
•
•
•
Station 4
focimeter
ruler
indelible ink pens
millimetric paper
(Essilor DITEST)
Bifocal Spectacles - Workshop: Manual Edging
Description of content
The candidate has to assemble a pair of bifocal spectacles with mineral lenses according to given centratio
values by:
• manually edging the left lens
• edging the right lens on a pattern edging machine
The edging pattern has to be produced by the candidate.
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The candidate must:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
measure the lenses with the focimeter and state the values for sphere, cylinder, axis and addition
produce the edging pattern for manual edging
centre the lenses according to the pattern
edge the lenses
assemble the pair of spectacles
f) Set-up the spectacles to the given instructions
The candidate is given:
•
•
•
•
•
•
a standard plastic or metal frame
two mineral bifocal lenses of type S 25
the near interpupillary distance: right eye / left eye
the vertical distance from the segment line to the rim edge at the centration point for the righ
and left eye
a blank pattern plastic sheet
instructions for the setting-up of the spectacles
Note: A new frame may be given to the candidate without penalty, if initial frame
is proven defective. One replacement lens per eye may be given to the candidate without penalty. There will be only
one replacement lens per eye available.
Material:
•
•
•
standard plastic or metal frame
two S 25 type mineral bifocal lenses of unknown* dioptric values
blank pattern plastic sheet
Equipment:
•
•
•
focimeter
manual edging machine (WECO, ESSILOR MD2, etc.)
workshop equipment: pliers, screwdrivers, indelible ink pens etc.
* the exact dioptric values of the lenses will be known to the Examiners
SESSION 2
Station 5
Prismatic Correction: Workshop
Description of content
The candidate has to assemble a rimless 4-hole drill-type frame with organic lenses
according to a prismatic prescription.
The prismatic prescription is to be obtained by the decentration of the lenses.
The boxing-edging pattern of the frame is supplied to the candidate.
The candidate must:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
measure the lenses with the focimeter and state the values for sphere, cylinder and axis.
determine the prismatic decentration by calculation or by using the focimeter
block the lenses
edge the lenses on a pattern type automatic edging machine.
drill the lens holes and assemble the pair of spectacles
f) set-up the spectacles to the given instructions
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The candidate is given:
•
•
•
•
a "4-hole" drill-type rimless mount frame
two organic single vision lenses of unknown dioptric values
the boxing edging pattern
instructions for the setting up of the spectacles
Note: A new frame may be given to the candidate without penalty, if initial frame is proven defe
One replacement lens per eye may be given to the candidate without penalty. There will
one replacement lens per eye available.
Material:
•
•
•
4 hole drill type rimless frame (spare parts: screws, nuts, washers)
boxing edging pattern
two organic single vision lenses with unknown* dioptric values
Equipment:
focimeter
pattern type automatic edging machine
workshop equipment: pliers, screwdrivers, indelible ink pens etc.
drilling equipment
drills
* the exact dioptric values of the lenses will be known to the examiners
•
•
•
•
•
Station 6
Assembling of a metal frame front part
Description of content
The candidate has to assemble a metal frame front part by brazing six assembly
points according to the supplied drawing. The brazing points have to be left unfinished.
The candidate must:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
produce a reference pattern according to the drawing
assemble the nose piece an the left and right rim
add the front bar
add the pad arms
set-up the frame to the given instructions
The candidate is given:
•
•
•
•
•
•
two rims with opening blocks and temple parts readily assembled
one nose piece
one front bar
two side arms
plastic sheet for reference pattern
instructions to set-up the frame
Material:
•
•
•
metal frame set consisting of left and right rims with temples assembled, nose piece, front bar, pad ar
pads and screws
silver based soldering material
flux and anti-oxidizing materials
Equipment:
•
•
brazing equipment: electric; butane/propane; hydrozone (hydrogen/oxygen blow lamp)
third hand assembly aid
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Equipment that must be supplied by the Candidate
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•
•
•
•
Permanent ink pens
Rulers
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Soldering materials
Equipment that is provided at the Examination Centre
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Focimeter
Edger (automatic and manual)
Grooving machine
Drilling machine
Brazing equipment
Uncut lenses
Frames
Frame materials
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PART B: Clinical Investigation and Management
PATIENT CARE
Patient Care for Part B consists of a 4 station practical examination and a 3 hour written examination testing the
Visual Identification and Management of Optometric Conditions (VIMOC). Both examinations will be taken on
the same day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There will be a break for lunch between the mornin
and afternoon examinations.
Station examination
The format of the examination is as follows3 x 45 minute stations:
There will be a 5 minute interval between each station.
Listed below are the assessments to be performed at each station. This information will be available duri
the examination and at each station. Copies of the evaluation forms used by the examiners to assess cand
performance are provided in the examination handbook.
Please Note
Throughout this examination candidates will be expected to record their findings in a logical an
consistent manner.
STATION 1 BINOCULAR VISION
1.1 Cover test
Candidates must use the cover test accurately to evaluate the oculomotor balance at distance and near.
1.2 Ocular Motility
Candidates must examine the ocular movements of the patient accurately to evaluate the motor field.
1.3 Near Point of Convergence
Candidates must determine the near point of convergence of the patient.
1.4 Dissociated Heterophoria
The candidate must measure the heterophoria at distance and near using a cover test OR Von Graefe me
1.5 Associated Heterophoria
The candidate must measure the associated heterophoria EITHER by use of the Polartest OR the
Mallett fixation disparity unit.
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STATION 2
REFRACTION
2.1 Retinoscopy
The candidate must perform static retinoscopy on both eyes of a presbyopic patient.
The results must be recorded having made the appropriate working distance allowance
2.2 Distance Subjective Refraction
The candidate will continue with the same patient, and starting with the results obtained by retinosc
perform a monocular refraction of each eye.
2.3 Visual Acuity Recording
The visual acuity will be recorded for each eye and binocularly when finished.
2.4 Binocular Balancing.
The candidate must use a septum or polaroid or blurring technique to achieve a binocularly balance
2.5 Determination of Near Addition
The candidate will determine a suitable near vision addition for the patient.
STATION 3
CONTACT LENSES
3.1 Corneal Curvature, Anterior Eye Examination
The candidate must perform a routine slit-lamp examination of both eyes of the patient. Candidates m
thoroughly and accurately evaluate the ocular adnexa, external eye and ocular anterior segment.
Candidates must record central keratometry readings in mm for both eyes of the patient.
3.2 Fit Interpretation in Cases of Different types
Hard lens
Soft lens
3.3 Insertion and Removal Fit Assessment
Hard Lens
Soft Lens
3.4 Verification
Candidates will check a hard and a soft lens to confirm that the specification conforms to that stated on t
container.
Throughout the examination, the candidate must sustain the images for examiner observation.
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Equipment that must be supplied by the Candidate
• Pens
• Batteries
• Rulers
• Pen torch
• Occluders
• Trial frame
• Retinoscope
• Contact lens fitting set (optional)
Equipment provided at the Examination centre
Each cubicle is supplied with the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Patient chair
Examiner chair
Candidate stool
Test chart and mirror, or projector and screen
Refractor head and/or trial case
Slit-lamp with a teaching attachment
Keratometer
Mallett fixation disparity unit and pola test
Near vision accommodation device
Contact lens fitting set (sterile)
Each examination cubicle has light adjustable to zero and fitted or adjacent hygiene facilities.
Visual Identification and Management of Optometric Conditions (VIMOC)
A three hour examination containing 30 visual presentations.
A VIMOC presentation will comprise of an outline case history accompanied by a graphical representation
of investigative results.
A series of approximately 3 MCQ's will then determine the candidates' understanding of the situation and their
decision making skills in relation to possible immediate action and future management.
Refraction
Binocular vision
Contact lenses
6 presentations
12 presentations
12 presentations
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PART C:
Biological and Medical Sciences
PATIENT CARE
Patient Care for Part C consists of a 4 station practical examination and a 3 hour written examination testing the
Visual Identification and Management of Optometric Conditions (VIMOC). Both examinations will be taken on
the same day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There will be a break between the morning and
afternoon examinations.
Station examination
The format of the examination is as follows4 x 45 minute stations:
There will be a 5 minute interval between each station.
Listed below are the assessments to be performed at each station. This information will also be available
during the examination. Copies of the evaluation forms used by the examiners to assess candidate perfor
are provided in the Candidate Guide.
Please Note
Throughout this examination candidates will be expected to record their findings in a logical an
consistent manner.
STATION 1
CASE HISTORY AND PATIENT COMMUNICATION
1.1 Case History
Candidates must obtain a case history from 2 new patients who presents with a visual/ocular problem.
Candidates must obtain relevant information from the patient so that any subsequent and appropriate
diagnostic procedures can be performed effectively.
After completion of the case history, candidates must provide the patient with an explanation as to the
nature and purpose of the proposed diagnostic procedures.
1.2 Patient Education and Communication
Candidates are provided with two patients and their ocular diagnosis.
Candidates must provide a full explanation of the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of the condition
the patient,. The explanation must be accurate, clear and in non-technical frame.
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STATION 2 BINOCULAR INDIRECT OPHTHALMOSCOPY OF FUNDUS & DIRECT
OPHTHALMOSCOPY
2.1 Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy with SLIT LAMP
Candidates must perform a posterior pole examination of the other eye of the patient using a non-contac
fundus viewing lens in conjunction with the slit-lamp biomicroscope. The pupil of this eye will have bee
previously dilated.
2.2 Direct Ophthalmoscopy
Candidates must perform routine direct ophthalmoscopy on one eye of a patient to thoroughly and accur
evaluate the eye. Candidates will be expected to measure the cup/disc ratio and A/V ratio.
2.3 Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (Headset)
Candidates must perform headset binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy on one eye of a patient to thorough
and accurately evaluate the posterior segment of the eye. The pupil of the eye will already be dilated.
Candidates will be expected to gain a clear image of the optic disc and fovea, and to perform a periphera
retinal examination, without scleral indentation.
Throughout the examination, candidates will be expected to sustain the image for examiner observation.
STATION 3 INSTILLATION OF TOPICAL ANAESTHETIC; GOLDMANN TONOIMETRY;
CORNEAL PACHYMETRY
3.1 Instillation of Topical Local Anaesthetic
Candidates must instil topical local anaesthetic drops into one eye of a patient.
3.2 Goldmann Tonometry
Candidates must perform Goldmann Tonometry on the anaesthetised eye.
3.3 Corneal Pachometry
Candidates must measure the central corneal thickness of one eye of a patient. Candidates must take thre
successive measurements to obtain a mean value.
STATION 4
SLIT LAMP BIOMICROSCOPY OF ANTERIOR SEGMENT; PUPIL REFLEXES;
FIRST AID PROCEDURES
4.1 Evaluation of Pupils
Candidates must assess the pupils of a patient, assuming no previous knowledge of the patient.
Candidates are expected to report their findings to the examiner as they would be written on a patient rec
4.2 Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy of anterior segment.
The candidate must perform a routine slit-lamp examination of both eyes of the patient. Candidates mus
thoroughly and accurately evaluate the ocular adnexa, external eye and ocular anterior segment.
4.3 First Aid Procedures
Candidates will be assessed on their performance of basic ocular first-aid procedures.
Candidates must evert the upper lid of one eye and examine the tarsal conjunctiva using the slit-lamp.
Candidates must then carry out irrigation of the eye using sterile saline. Following this, candidates must
apply a pressure patch to the same eye.
Throughout the examination, the candidate must sustain the images for examiner observation.
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Equipment that must be supplied by the Candidate
•
•
•
Non-contact fundus examination lenses
Pen torch
Ophthalmoscope (direct)
Equipment that will be provided at the Examination centre
Each cubicle has light adjustable to zero and is equipped with the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
*
Patient chair
Examiner chair
Candidate stool
Cotton wool buds
Slit-lamp with a teaching attachment and pachometer
Indirect ophthalmoscope (headset) including teaching mirror and condensing lens
Tonometer
Medi swab
Mydriatic and miotic drugs*
Sterile saline for ocular irrigation*
May be retained in custody of examiner.
Visual Identification and Management of Optometric Conditions (VIMOC)
A three hour examination containing 30 visual presentations.
A VIMOC presentation will comprise of an outline case history accompanied by a graphical representation
of investigative results.
A series of approximately 3 MCQ's will then determine the candidates' understanding of the situation and their
decision making skills in relation to possible immediate action and future management.
Ocular Abnormality
30 presentations
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