ABO NOCE Basic Opticianry Ophthalmic Laws and Regulations Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An optician receives a prescription written by a physician (MD) who specializes in ophthalmology. Is this prescription legally valid for dispensing?
- No, only optometrists may write eyeglass prescriptions
- Yes, ophthalmologists are licensed to perform refractions and write prescriptions (Correct answer)
- Only if the ophthalmologist is also ABO-certified
- Only for medical (not cosmetic) vision correction
Correct answer: Yes, ophthalmologists are licensed to perform refractions and write prescriptions
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors licensed to perform eye exams, refractions, and write prescriptions for corrective lenses.
Question 2: The ABO (American Board of Opticianry) certification is best described as:
- A mandatory federal license required to practice opticianry
- A voluntary national credential demonstrating competency, separate from state licensure (Correct answer)
- A designation granted automatically upon completing an opticianry program
- A requirement enforced by the FDA for all dispensing opticians
Correct answer: A voluntary national credential demonstrating competency, separate from state licensure
ABO certification is a voluntary national credentialing exam that demonstrates competency but does not replace state licensure requirements.
Question 3: A patient's eyeglass prescription reads: OD -2.00 -1.00 x 090, OS -1.50. The minimum required information on a valid eyeglass prescription includes all of the following EXCEPT:
- The patient's name
- The prescriber's name and address
- The frame style recommendation (Correct answer)
- The date of the examination
Correct answer: The frame style recommendation
Frame style is a dispensing choice made by the patient and optician; it is not a required element of a valid ophthalmic prescription.
Question 4: Under what condition may an optician modify or 'interpret' a written prescription when fabricating lenses?
- When they disagree with the prescribed power based on their experience
- To compensate for vertex distance when high-power prescriptions are involved, per professional standards (Correct answer)
- When the patient requests stronger lenses than prescribed
- When the prescribed power is unavailable in stock and a close alternative is substituted
Correct answer: To compensate for vertex distance when high-power prescriptions are involved, per professional standards
Professional standards permit vertex distance compensation for high-powered prescriptions to achieve the intended optical effect at the eye.
Question 5: Which of the following correctly describes the federal law requirement for safety eyewear worn in industrial settings?
- ANSI Z87.1 standards must be met and lenses must be marked accordingly (Correct answer)
- FDA drop ball test standards are sufficient for all occupational eyewear
- OSHA requires only that safety glasses be worn, with no specific lens standard
- The FTC Eyeglass Rule governs all safety eyewear dispensed by opticians
Correct answer: ANSI Z87.1 standards must be met and lenses must be marked accordingly
Industrial and occupational safety eyewear must comply with ANSI Z87.1, which sets higher impact and optical standards than those for dress eyewear.
Question 6: A patient explicitly asks that their prescription NOT be shared with any other provider. Under HIPAA, the practice:
- Must honor the request and restrict sharing for treatment purposes
- May share the prescription for treatment purposes regardless, as this is a permitted use (Correct answer)
- Must obtain written consent before any sharing, even for treatment
- Is required to report the refusal to the state health department
Correct answer: May share the prescription for treatment purposes regardless, as this is a permitted use
HIPAA permits covered entities to use and disclose PHI for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without patient authorization, even if the patient objects.
Question 7: Which of the following is the primary legal distinction between a 'prescription' and an 'optical order' in opticianry?
- A prescription specifies frame style; an optical order specifies only lens power
- A prescription is written by a licensed examiner authorizing correction; an optical order is the work directive given to the lab by the dispenser (Correct answer)
- A prescription is required for sunglasses; an optical order is required for clear lenses
- There is no legal distinction; the terms are interchangeable in all states
Correct answer: A prescription is written by a licensed examiner authorizing correction; an optical order is the work directive given to the lab by the dispenser
A prescription is the legal document from the examiner authorizing the correction, while the optical order (or work order) is the dispenser's instructions to the laboratory.
ABO NOCE Basic Opticianry Ophthalmic Laws and Regulations Questions and Answers 5
An optician receives a prescription written by a physician (MD) who specializes in ophthalmology.
Is this prescription legally valid for dispensing?