Optician ABO Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

Which bridge type distributes the weight of the frame across a wide area of the nose?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Pad bridge (nose pads). A saddle bridge rests against the entire top of the nose, distributing frame weight over a broad area. This is ideal for patients with low nose bridges or wide noses.

Question 2

Adjustable nose pads on a metal frame allow the optician to customize which fitting parameter?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Vertex distance and nose bearing surface. Adjustable nose pads let the optician change the vertex distance and position the frame on the nose for proper fit and comfort. They also affect the frame's height on the face but do not directly change pantoscopic tilt or temple spread.

Question 3

A patient complains that their frame continuously slides down. Their nose has a low bridge. Which bridge design change would BEST prevent slippage?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Fit a frame with a keyhole bridge or widely spaced nose pads for better grip. A keyhole bridge or adjustable pads spread wide grip the sides of a low nose bridge, providing the friction needed to prevent slipping. A saddle bridge tends to slide on flat, low bridges.

Question 4

A skull temple is designed to curve:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Around the back and down behind the ear. A skull (or hockey-stick) temple curves downward behind the auricle, gripping the skull. It provides secure retention without depending on the temple tip to hook over the ear.

Question 5

Which temple style is most appropriate for a child or patient who requires maximum retention, such as during active sports?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Cable temple. Cable temples coil around the ear for maximum retention, making them ideal for children, active patients, and anyone needing secure fit. They are harder to remove quickly but rarely slip off.

Question 6

When adjusting a library (straight) temple, the bend point should be positioned:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Just past the back of the ear (at the mastoid area). The bend in a skull or library temple should begin just past the posterior edge of the ear at the mastoid region. Bending too early causes the temple to press on the ear; bending too late reduces retention.

Question 7

Pantoscopic tilt refers to the angle of the frame front in which direction?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The bottom of the frame tilted toward the face. Pantoscopic tilt means the bottom rim of the frame is closer to the face than the top. This aligns the optical axis of the lens perpendicular to the line of sight for near vision tasks.

Question 8

The standard recommended pantoscopic tilt for most ophthalmic frames is approximately:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

8–12 degrees. Most ophthalmic frames are fitted with 8–12 degrees of pantoscopic tilt. This positions the lens plane to match the average downward gaze angle used in reading and near vision.

Question 9

Vertex distance is defined as the distance from:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The back surface of the spectacle lens to the front surface of the cornea. Vertex distance is measured from the back (ocular) surface of the spectacle lens to the front (anterior) surface of the cornea. Standard vertex distance is typically 12–14 mm.

Question 10

Face-form (wrap) angle describes which frame characteristic?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The horizontal curve of the frame front that follows the face. Face-form angle (also called wrap) is the horizontal curvature of the frame front so it follows the contour of the face. Proper face-form reduces lateral light entry and improves cosmesis.

Optician ABO Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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