JCAT Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Practice Test 2026 - Free COA Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The recommended distance for holding near vision charts from a patient's eyes is typically around 14-16 inches. This distance is considered optimal for assessing near visual acuity, as it closely simulates the usual reading distance that individuals use in everyday tasks. Maintaining this distance helps to ensure that the visual acuity measured is both accurate and representative of the patient’s functional vision at close range.

In clinical practice, examining near vision at this range allows healthcare providers to observe how well a patient can read or recognize letters and words without undue strain on their eyes. Measurements taken outside this range may not provide a reliable assessment of a patient’s near vision capabilities, which is why the 14-16 inch recommendation is widely accepted among ophthalmic professionals.