Prepare for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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Which professional focuses on measuring eye movement and the extraocular muscles?

  1. Optometrist

  2. Orthoptist

  3. Ophthalmologist

  4. Optician

The correct answer is: Orthoptist

The correct answer is the professional who specializes in assessing and diagnosing issues related to eye movements and the function of extraocular muscles. This role encompasses evaluating conditions such as strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye). Orthoptists are specifically trained to perform vision assessments to aid in rehabilitation and management of these conditions, often working closely with ophthalmologists to enhance patient outcomes. While optometrists primarily conduct vision examinations and provide eye care, and ophthalmologists are medical doctors who perform surgeries and treat eye diseases, neither focuses exclusively on the measurement of eye movements and muscle function. Opticians, on the other hand, do not perform clinical assessments related to eye movement but rather specialize in fitting and dispensing eyewear based on prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. Thus, the orthoptist stands out as the specialist dedicated to this particular area of study.