Ace the CPO Exam 2026 – Shine Bright as a Certified Paraoptometric Star!

Keratometry is indeed the correct answer because it is a specialized measurement that assesses the curvature of the cornea, which directly relates to its focusing power. The device used in keratometry measures the radius of curvature of the corneal surface by projecting an illuminated target and observing its reflection. This data is crucial for determining the optical properties of the cornea, which is essential in various aspects of vision correction, including contact lens fitting and refractive surgery evaluations.

In contrast, retinoscopy involves evaluating how light reflects off the retina to determine refractive errors but does not specifically measure the corneal curvature. Visual acuity is a measure of the clarity of vision and does not involve any measurements of the cornea itself, while the cover/uncover test is primarily used to assess for strabismus or eye alignment issues rather than focusing power. Understanding these distinctions highlights why keratometry is the specific assessment needed to determine the focusing power of the cornea.