Study Outline

Study Outline

This outline for Paraoptometric Certification provides information on the content of the CPO - Certified Paraoptometric Examination. The following outline includes a brief explanation of the areas covered in the CPO Study Guide and on the examination (refer to the CPO Handbook for Candidates for the full outline). You should be familiar with all the terms, meanings, and use of the terms below. All 100 questions on the examination are of the objective, multiple choice type. Passing score is determined by the CPC.

1. Basic Science (29%)
   
   
   1. Anatomy
      1. Definitions of Anatomical Parts
      2. Function
   2. Common Eye Disorders
      1. Definitions
      2. Causes
   3. Terminology
      1. Prefixes
      2. Suffixes
      3. Root Words
   4. Surgery
   5. Basic Pharmacology
2. Clinical Principles and Procedures (37%)
   
   
   1. Eye Examination
      1. Case History
      2. Visual Acuity
      3. Keratometry
      4. Retinoscopy
      5. Subjective Refraction
      6. Ophthalmoscopy
      7. Binocular Vision
      8. Tonometry
      9. Visual Fields
      10. Biomicroscopy
      11. Fundus Photography
      12. Tomography
      13. Topography
   2. Refractive Status
      1. Emmetropia
      2. Myopia
      3. Hyperopia
      4. Astigmatism
      5. Presbyopia
      6. Accommodation
   3. Contact Lenses
      1. Soft
      2. Rigid
      3. Care and Handling
      4. Patient Education
      5. Base Curve Radius
      6. Lens Power
      7. Overall Diameter
      8. Optical Zone Diameter
      9. Peripheral Curves
      10. Edge and Center Thickness
3. Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing (22%)
   
   
   1. Ophthalmic Prescription
      1. Components of a Lens Prescription
      2. Add Power
      3. Prism
      4. Optics
   2. Ophthalmic Lenses
      1. Types of Lenses
      2. Lens Materials
      3. Neutralization
   3. Ophthalmic Dispensing
      1. Frame Anatomy
      2. Sizes and Measurements
      3. Basics of Frame Selection
      4. PD/Segment Height
      5. Ordering
      6. Basic Adjustments
4. Professional Issues (12%)
   
   
   1. Eyecare Specialists and Ancillary Personnel
   2. Practice Management
      1. Telephone Techniques
      2. Appointments
      3. Record Filing Systems
      4. Recalls
      5. Fee Presentation
      6. Collections
      7. Third Party Payments
      8. HIPAA
      9. Hygiene and Infection Control