What common method is used to assess visual acuity?

The Snellen chart is widely recognized as the common method for assessing visual acuity. It consists of letters, numbers, or symbols of varying sizes, which patients read from a specific distance—typically 20 feet. The purpose is to determine how well a person can see at a distance compared to a standard.

This method is straightforward and provides a quick assessment of visual sharpness, which is critical in identifying potential vision problems early. The result is expressed as a fraction (for example, 20/20), indicating how well a patient can see compared to what is expected at that distance.

Using an otoscope examination is primarily for evaluating the ear canal and eardrum, not the visual acuity of the eyes. Tonometry is a technique used to measure intraocular pressure and is crucial for diagnosing glaucoma, but it does not directly assess visual acuity. Retinoscopy is an examination that helps to determine the prescription for glasses by assessing how light reflects off the retina, and while it provides valuable information for eye care, it is not primarily a measure of visual acuity. Thus, the Snellen chart remains the standard tool for visual acuity assessment.