Contact Lenses and the Anatomy of the Visual Pathway 

Author: Justin Mathias, ABOC, NCLEC, LDO

Justin Mathias has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The content and format of this course is presented without commercial bias and does not claim superiority of any commercial product or service.

Course Description

This course will follow light as it passes through the different anatomical structures of the eye. The course is designed to create a comprehensive knowledge base of how anatomical structure interacts with light to produce visual perception, refractive error, and the correction of refractive error with contact lenses. The course is written for the layperson but would also serve as a source to build base knowledge to support and enhance understanding of optical principles related to the eye, refractive error, and contact lens use for optical apprentices, opticians, or anyone studying for ABO/NCLE certification.

Course Objectives

• Identify the major anatomical structures involved in the visual pathway and their roles in focusing and processing light.
• Describe how light is refracted through the eye and converted into signals that produce visual perception.
• Distinguish between myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia based on their effects on the eye’s focal point.
• Describe how plus- and minus-powered contact lenses alter the path of light to correct refractive error.
• Interpret the sphere, cylinder, and axis components of a prescription and their relationship to refractive error.
• Compare contact lens methods used to correct astigmatism and presbyopia, including rigid, toric, monovision, and multifocal lenses.

Course Assessment

There is a 40-question test at the end of the course. A successful passing score of 80% is required on all ABO-NCLE continuing education courses in order to earn the designated number of credits. You will know your grade instantly after completing the course.