AOA Low Vision and Geriatric Optometry 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A telescope is used as a low vision device to improve:
- Distance visual acuity (Correct answer)
- Near reading acuity at short distances
- Peripheral visual field expansion
- Contrast sensitivity primarily
Correct answer: Distance visual acuity
Telescopes magnify distant objects and are prescribed to improve distance VA for activities like TV viewing, classroom use, and navigation in low vision patients.
Question 2: The most significant risk factor for falls in elderly low vision patients is:
- Reduced contrast sensitivity and peripheral field loss (Correct answer)
- Myopia greater than 6 diopters
- Presence of astigmatism above 1.50D
- Reduced near acuity below 20/200
Correct answer: Reduced contrast sensitivity and peripheral field loss
Contrast sensitivity loss impairs detection of steps and curbs, while peripheral field loss reduces obstacle detection — both are major fall risk factors in elderly patients.
Question 3: Electronic magnification devices (CCTV or video magnifiers) offer which advantage over optical magnifiers?
- Variable magnification, enhanced contrast, and reverse polarity viewing (Correct answer)
- No power source required for portability
- Higher maximum magnification than all optical devices
- Better for patients with central field loss than peripheral loss
Correct answer: Variable magnification, enhanced contrast, and reverse polarity viewing
Video magnifiers allow continuous variable magnification, high-contrast display modes, and white-on-black reverse polarity, which optical magnifiers cannot provide.
Question 4: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is associated with which significant systemic risk?
- Cardiovascular disease and increased risk of myocardial infarction (Correct answer)
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Increased risk of stroke only
- No significant systemic associations
Correct answer: Cardiovascular disease and increased risk of myocardial infarction
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is now recognized as a systemic fibrillopathy associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, including myocardial infarction and aortic aneurysm.
Question 5: A patient with moderate AMD and an absolute central scotoma should first be trained to use:
- An eccentric viewing technique with a preferred retinal locus (Correct answer)
- A high-power plus add spectacle lens at standard working distance
- A pair of bioptic telescopes for all tasks
- Laser pointer exercises to stimulate foveal recovery
Correct answer: An eccentric viewing technique with a preferred retinal locus
When the fovea is destroyed, rehabilitation begins with identifying and training a stable PRL in the peri-central retina for fixation and visual tasks.
Question 6: The leading cause of preventable blindness globally, which optometrists actively screen for, is:
- Cataract (Correct answer)
- Glaucoma
- Trachoma
- Onchocerciasis
Correct answer: Cataract
Cataract is responsible for approximately 50% of global blindness and 33% of visual impairment worldwide; it is preventable and treatable with surgery.
AOA Low Vision and Geriatric Optometry 2
A telescope is used as a low vision device to improve: