AOC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AOC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the role of the AOC in orthoptic education? → Accrediting orthoptic training programs
2. AOC's Code of Ethics requires COs to disclose which of the following to patients? → Any financial relationships that could constitute a conflict of interest
3. During an orthoptic evaluation for accommodative esotropia, which test best determines the AC/A ratio? → Gradient method using lenses
4. Which test isolates each eye using an opaque occluder to detect a manifest deviation (tropia)? → Cover-uncover test
5. What is the primary purpose of the American Orthoptic Council (AOC)? → To set standards for orthoptic training programs
6. Which nonverbal communication behavior by the orthoptist most strongly conveys attentiveness and respect during a patient interview? → Maintaining appropriate eye contact and nodding at key points
7. When performing orthoptic evaluations on pediatric patients, COs must adhere to which additional ethical consideration? → Obtaining informed consent from the parent or legal guardian before testing
8. When evaluating ocular motility, which finding is most consistent with a left superior oblique palsy? → Left hypertropia worse in right gaze with excyclotorsion
9. What is the expected finding on cover-uncover testing in a patient with monofixation syndrome? → Small refixation movement only on cover test, not on uncover
10. Which communication technique is most effective for verifying understanding? → Asking the person to explain the information back in their own words
11. A patient presents with angle-closure glaucoma. Which topical agent is CONTRAINDICATED due to risk of further pupillary dilation? → Tropicamide
12. The Maddox rod test primarily evaluates which aspect of binocular function? → Phoria measurement under dissociated conditions
13. Stereoacuity of 40 seconds of arc on the Randot test indicates: → Fine stereopsis consistent with normal binocular vision
14. When recording sensory status, 'NRC' indicates which condition? → Normal retinal correspondence
15. The Worth 4-dot test is used to assess: → Binocular fusion status and suppression
16. The accommodative convergence to accommodation (AC/A) ratio is clinically significant because it helps guide treatment for which condition? → Accommodative esotropia
17. Which test best differentiates a true fusion response from monocular cues in a patient with suspected monofixation syndrome? → 4-prism diopter base-out test
18. When transferring orthoptic records to another provider, which action is required before releasing information? → A signed written authorization from the patient or legal guardian must be obtained
19. A Maddox rod placed before the right eye in a patient with orthophoria will cause the patient to see: → A red line through the fixation light
20. During the cover-uncover test, the examiner observes the uncovered eye to detect which type of deviation? → Heterotropia
21. Which artificial tear formulation is most appropriate for a patient with severe aqueous-deficient dry eye who requires nighttime lubrication? → Unpreserved lubricating ointment (e.g., petrolatum-mineral oil)
22. What is the primary purpose of the AOC recertification process? → To ensure ongoing competency and adherence to current clinical standards
23. Why is AOC certification important for orthoptists? → It ensures professional competence and adherence to standards
24. In the context of AOC training, what is the significance of 'binocular vision anomalies' as a topic? → It is a core subject area tested on both written and oral AOC board examinations
25. Presbyopia is caused by which age-related change? → Decreased elasticity of the crystalline lens
26. When recording a strabismus measurement using the prism and alternate cover test, SC and CC notations refer to: → Without and with spectacle correction
27. A patient using a hearing aid has difficulty following verbal instructions during prism testing. What is the best adaptation? → Use written instruction cards and visual demonstrations
28. When evaluating a patient with ptosis using the Marginal Reflex Distance (MRD1), the clinician measures the distance from the corneal light reflex to the: → Upper eyelid margin
29. A minor patient's parent requests a copy of the child's orthoptic records. Under HIPAA, the orthoptist should: → Provide access, as a parent is typically the minor's personal representative
30. What is the minimum number of continuing education credits typically required per AOC renewal cycle? → 20 credits