American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam

In the adjustment of nose pad arms, which tools do opticians typically use?

1. Nose pad pliers

2. Channel locks

3. Screwdrivers

4. Wire cutters

The correct answer is: Nose pad pliers

In the adjustment of nose pad arms, opticians typically use nose pad pliers because these tools are specifically designed for this task. Nose pad pliers allow for precise manipulation and adjustment of the small pads that rest on the wearer's nose, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for eyewear. The design of nose pad pliers usually includes a curved end that can easily grip and modify the position of the nose pads without damaging the frames. Other tools like channel locks, screwdrivers, and wire cutters are not suited for this particular function. Channel locks are more general-purpose pliers used for gripping and turning, but they lack the finesse needed for the small components of eyewear. Screwdrivers, while useful for tightening or loosening screws on eyeglass frames, do not aid in physically adjusting the nose pads. Wire cutters are designed for cutting and would not be appropriate in the context of adjusting nose pads, as they would likely cause damage rather than facilitate adjustment. Thus, the specificity and design of nose pad pliers make them the preferred tool for opticians when it comes to this aspect of eyewear fitting.