FREE NOCE Dispensing Instrumentation Usage Questions and Answers

Question 1

An optician is using a manual lensmeter to verify a prescription and notices that the mires are centered only when the lens is positioned 2 mm nasally from the marked pupillary center. If the lens power is +5.00 D, what is the resulting prismatic effect?

Accepted Answer

1.00Δ Base In

Answer

According to Prentice's Rule (Prism = Power x Decentration in cm), the induced prism is calculated as 5.00 D * 0.2 cm = 1.00Δ. Since the optical center of a plus lens was moved nasally (inward) relative to the pupil, it induces Base In prism.

Question 2

When using a pupilometer to measure a patient's monocular pupillary distance (PD) for a progressive lens order, what is the correct reference point for the measurement?

Accepted Answer

From the center of the bridge of the nose to the center of the pupil for each eye individually.

Answer

A monocular PD, which is critical for accurately fitting progressive lenses, is measured from a central reference point (like the middle of the nose bridge) to the center of each pupil separately. This provides two distinct measurements (e.g., R 32mm, L 33mm) ensuring the optical centers of the lenses are perfectly aligned with each visual axis.

Question 3

A dispenser is preparing to adjust a new pair of acetate frames for a patient. Which of the following instruments uses heated glass beads or salt to make the frame material pliable for adjustment?

Accepted Answer

Salt pan

Answer

A salt pan is a traditional optical tool that contains a bed of heated salt or, more commonly, glass beads. It provides gentle, even heat to soften plastic and acetate frames, allowing them to be safely adjusted.

Question 4

While calibrating a manual lensmeter, the first step is to focus the eyepiece. What is the proper procedure to ensure the reticle is correctly focused for the user's eye?

Accepted Answer

Turn the eyepiece fully counter-clockwise to the most plus setting, then slowly turn it clockwise until the reticle first becomes sharp and clear.

Answer

The standard procedure for focusing a lensmeter eyepiece is to first relax the operator's accommodation by turning the eyepiece counter-clockwise (toward the plus). Then, the operator looks through it and turns it clockwise (toward the minus) just until the reticle lines become clear and sharp for the first time. This prevents over-minusing and ensures an accurate baseline for measurements.

Question 5

A patient has a prescription of -12.00 D, which was refracted at a vertex distance of 15 mm. If their chosen frame fits at a vertex distance of 10 mm, what instrument should be used to accurately measure this fitting distance on the patient?

Accepted Answer

Distometer

Answer

A distometer, also known as a vertex distance gauge, is specifically designed to measure the distance from the back surface of the spectacle lens to the apex of the cornea. This measurement is crucial for high-powered prescriptions where changes in vertex distance can significantly alter the effective power of the lens.

NOCE - National Opticianry Competency Examination Practice Test

NOCE - National Opticianry Competency Examination Practice Test

FREE NOCE Dispensing Instrumentation Usage Questions and Answers