The device used to examine the eye, particularly the retina, is called what?

Study for the PMLS History of Medical Technology Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

The eye exam is done with an ophthalmoscope. This instrument shines light into the eye and allows the clinician to look through the pupil at the interior surface of the eye, called the fundus, which includes the retina and optic nerve. Direct ophthalmoscopy gives a magnified view of a small area of the retina, while indirect ophthalmoscopy uses a lens system to provide a wider field of view for a more comprehensive assessment. The other tools listed serve different purposes—an instrument for viewing the larynx and airway, a device that records the heart’s electrical activity, and a stethoscope used to listen to heart and lung sounds—so the ophthalmoscope is the correct choice for examining the eye and retina.