AOC Scope of Practice & Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following procedures falls OUTSIDE the scope of practice for a Certified Orthoptist?
- Prescribing eyeglasses independently (Correct answer)
- Performing cover-uncover testing
- Measuring prism adaptation
- Assessing ocular motility range
Correct answer: Prescribing eyeglasses independently
Certified Orthoptists work under physician supervision and do not independently prescribe optical corrections.
Question 2: According to AOC standards, a Certified Orthoptist (CO) must practice under the supervision of which type of physician?
- Any licensed MD
- A board-certified ophthalmologist (Correct answer)
- A licensed optometrist
- A pediatric neurologist
Correct answer: A board-certified ophthalmologist
AOC standards require COs to work under the supervision of a board-certified or board-eligible ophthalmologist.
Question 3: The AOC Code of Ethics requires that Certified Orthoptists maintain patient confidentiality consistent with which federal law?
- OSHA
- HIPAA (Correct answer)
- ADA
- COBRA
Correct answer: HIPAA
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) governs patient privacy and confidentiality standards that COs must follow.
Question 4: When a Certified Orthoptist identifies a finding that suggests a systemic neurological condition, what is the appropriate action?
- Treat the condition independently
- Document and immediately communicate findings to the supervising ophthalmologist (Correct answer)
- Refer the patient to a neurologist without notifying the ophthalmologist
- Dismiss the finding as outside orthoptic scope
Correct answer: Document and immediately communicate findings to the supervising ophthalmologist
COs must communicate unexpected or significant findings to the supervising ophthalmologist who is responsible for medical management.
Question 5: Which continuing education requirement must COs fulfill to maintain AOC certification?
- No continuing education is required after initial certification
- Complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years (Correct answer)
- Pass a written re-examination every 5 years
- Complete 50 hours of continuing education annually
Correct answer: Complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years
AOC requires Certified Orthoptists to complete 20 continuing education hours per 2-year renewal cycle to maintain certification.
Question 6: A CO is asked by a patient to interpret their overall eye health and recommend treatment. The appropriate response is to:
- Provide a comprehensive interpretation and treatment plan
- Explain that diagnosis and treatment planning are the ophthalmologist's role (Correct answer)
- Refer the patient to an optometrist
- Decline to answer and end the appointment
Correct answer: Explain that diagnosis and treatment planning are the ophthalmologist's role
Diagnosis and treatment planning fall within the physician's scope; COs should redirect patients to the supervising ophthalmologist.
Question 7: Which document formally defines the professional standards and ethical obligations of Certified Orthoptists in the United States?
- The American Optometric Association bylaws
- The AOC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (Correct answer)
- The Joint Commission accreditation manual
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology preferred practice patterns
Correct answer: The AOC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
The AOC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice is the governing document for CO professional conduct and obligations.
AOC Scope of Practice & Standards 2
Which of the following procedures falls OUTSIDE the scope of practice for a Certified Orthoptist?