CO Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. At what age does visual acuity typically reach adult levels (approximately 20/20) in normally developing children? → 5–6 years
2. What is the first step in CO risk assessment? → Identifying potential hazards and threats
3. Eccentric viewing training teaches patients with a central scotoma to: → Use an intact peripheral retinal area as the preferred retinal locus (PRL)
4. When is it ethically permissible to share a patient's protected health information with their employer? → When the patient provides specific written authorization for that disclosure
5. A patient with cognitive impairment cannot provide informed consent. The orthotist should: → Obtain consent from the legally designated surrogate decision-maker
6. What role do standard operating procedures play in CO Patient Assessment & Evaluation? → Ensuring consistency and quality through documented instructions
7. The fovea centralis contains predominantly which type of photoreceptors? → Cones only
8. What is a risk matrix used for in CO practice? → Evaluating risks by plotting likelihood against impact severity
9. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of Horner’s syndrome? → Ptosis and miosis
10. An orthotist is offered a significant gift by a vendor in exchange for exclusively prescribing their products. Accepting this gift would violate which standard? → Conflict of interest and professional independence
11. Which finding during pediatric vision screening warrants immediate ophthalmology referral? → White pupillary reflex (leukocoria)
12. What is the function of the swinging flashlight test? → Identify RAPD
13. Which situation represents a dual relationship that could compromise professional ethics? → Providing orthotic care to a close personal friend
14. A keratometer (ophthalmometer) is used to measure which ocular parameter? → Corneal curvature/power
15. Which condition is NOT considered an amblyopia risk factor? → Bilateral symmetric myopia of equal magnitude
16. Which test assesses contrast sensitivity in visual function testing? → Pelli-Robson chart
17. Which low vision device uses a strong convex lens resting on reading material to magnify near objects? → Stand magnifier
18. The Frisby stereotest differs from polarized or anaglyphic stereotests because it: → Uses real depth without any glasses
19. A patient requests a copy of their orthotic fitting records to share with another provider. Under HIPAA, the orthotist must: → Provide the records within a reasonable timeframe as required by law
20. What is the primary ethical responsibility of an orthoptist during patient care? → Ensure patient confidentiality
21. Duane retraction syndrome Type I is characterized by which motility pattern? → Limitation of abduction with globe retraction on adduction
22. Which of the following best defines informed consent? → Patient's understanding and voluntary agreement to treatment
23. An orthotist disagrees with a prescription written by a physician but proceeds without discussion to avoid conflict. This approach fails which ethical standard? → Advocacy and interprofessional communication for patient benefit
24. Bioptic telescopes are primarily prescribed to: → Allow patients with low vision to meet driving visual acuity requirements
25. How does professional liability insurance protect CO practitioners? → Covering financial losses from claims of negligence or errors
26. A patient explicitly refuses to pay for services rendered. An orthotist may ethically: → Pursue standard collection procedures while maintaining patient dignity
27. What is a needs assessment in CO Patient Assessment & Evaluation practice? → Identifying gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes
28. Which of the following is considered a clinical procedure in orthoptics? → Alternate cover test
29. The approximate best-corrected visual acuity of a healthy full-term neonate at birth is: → 20/400–20/600
30. What is the function of the superior oblique muscle in eye movement? → Depresses and intorts the eye