Retinoscopy is the chief objective* versus subjective method of determining the refractive error of an eye. The instrument used is called a Retinoscope, which your general practitioner uses at the time of your physical.  It is based on the action of the patient's reflex of the eye; not the verbal response which one might give.  Therefore, it is useful in the initial determination of the refractive error and particularly helpful for the senile, infants or young children, illiterates, and others who are unable to communicate.

    The Retinoscope was invented by a French Ophthalmologist, Dr. Cignet in 1873.  It was later improved on by Jack Copeland, a Refracting Optician/Optometrist in 1926.

   *Objective - without a verbal response / Subjective - with a verbal response

Refraction is not an invasive or a medical procedure; it is simply a selection of ophthalmic lenses that bends light from one medium to another providing the best vision to the patient. 

    Divided into three sections,

1. History taking

2. Refinement

3. End point techniques:  binocular balance, trial lenses, final prescription

       Historically, Opticians were the founding fathers of the field of optics.  Late in the 19th century, the optical profession split into those who wished to specialize in refracting, the Refracting Opticians, and those who wished to specialize in the filling of the prescriptions and fabrication of eyewear, the Prescription Opticians.  Later on, the word "optometry" or Optometrist was proposed by Refracting Optician Eberhart in 1882 to clarify the difference between the two opticians. The Refracting Opticians then changed their name to Optometrists, while the Prescription Opticians changed theirs to Dispensing Opticians.  The optometrists have never given up their right to dispense and fabricate eyewear, and the Dispensing Opticians have never given up their right to practice refraction, if suitably educated.  Along with Opthamologists (medical eye doctors), this creates the "Three O's".   

 (Definition of the 3 O's)

    At this time, the Opticians Association of America (OAA) is currently providing a refraction course.  The OAA program is only available through their association and is offered in this state upon request.  The first OAW supported class provided college credits along with ABO/NCLE credits at a reduced cost to the profession.  The first dedicated group of Washington State Licensed Dispensing Optician's have completed the college credited program and are currently practicing in this field. Thanks to Bernie Stewart for teaching this class.