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2.1 Introduction to the Entrance Tests
2.2 Infection Control
2.3 External Observation
2.4 Visual Acuity: Minimum Legible
2.5 Visual Acuity: Minimum Legible Using a LogMAR Chart
2.6 Visual Acuity: Minimum Legible Using the Massachusetts VA Test
2.7 Pinhole Visual Acuity
2.8 Color Vision
2.9 Cover Test
2.10 Stereopsis
2.11 Near Point of Convergence (NPC)
2.12 Hirschberg Test and Krimsky Test
2.13 Brückner Test
2.14 Extraocular Motilities (EOMs)
2.15 Pupils
2.16 Finger Counting Visual Fields
2.17 Summary of Expected Findings
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2.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE ENTRANCE TESTS
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The entrance tests are the first procedures performed following the case history. The intentional selection of the procedures to be included in this sequence and the ongoing interpretation of the data gathered can make the difference in whether or not an efficient and accurate differential diagnosis is obtained at this point in the examination.
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With the increasing pressures of healthcare economics, providers are adapting examination strategies that are primarily directed by symptomatology or positive test findings to maximize the efficiency of care and minimize the costs of delivery. The resulting decrease in the overall number of examination procedures performed on any given patient increases the importance of entrance test selection and their role of screening for visual disorders.
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The entrance test sequence is usually composed of 6 to 12 procedures that have a low cost/benefit ratio, can be performed quickly, and do not depend on technologically sophisticated equipment. Typically, these tests have been used to elicit information that helps define the status of each of the primary problem areas: health, refraction, and functional vision. Frequently, entrance tests apply across categories and screen for problems in more than one area (Table 2-1).
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The entrance tests, considered a part of the minimum defined database, provide valuable information by screening for the presence of ocular anomalies in the absence of patient symptoms. Examples include neurological deficits as revealed by pupillary testing and visual field screenings, convergence insufficiency identified by near point of convergence (NPC) testing, or a muscle imbalance as noted by cover test. The information obtained from this testing also provides baseline diagnostic information for future comparison.
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It is critical to emphasize that there is ...