Another Set of NBEO FAQs

 

Q: Under the calculator policy on the NBEO website there is a statement that says:
“There will be no items on the ABS exam that require use of trigonometric functions”

A) Does this mean that there aren’t any mathematical questions on the exam involving trigonometric functions?

OR

B) Does it mean that there are mathematical questions on the exam involving trigonometric functions, however, the answer choices may be stated in a different format?

• • Ie. The answer to a Snell’s law question could be:
    • Sin (r) = N1 * Sin (i)

N2

• • • With the appropriate indexes of refraction and the angle of incidence are plugged in

A: Regarding trigonometric functions -- the answer to your first question is yes, there will not be any math questions on the Part I ABS exam that require trig functions (sine, cosine, etc.). Please note that, in an effort to clarify the calculator policy, we have slightly modified the statement about calculators on our Web site. To see the updated statement, please go to the following Web address:
http://www.optometry.org/calculators.cfm.

Q: Under the Part I (ABS) exam content tab on the NBEO website there is a statement that says:

On the Applied Basic Science (ABS) examination, drugs are referenced only by generic name. However, to help those candidates who may be more familiar with the trade names of drugs than with the generic names, the following list of generic drugs and their trade name equivalents has been prepared; this list will be printed on the inside front cover of the test booklets. “Candidates should note that the list includes only those drugs referenced on the exam that have commonly used trade names.” Candidates should also note that the list includes drugs used on other National Board exams; therefore, significantly more drugs appear on the list than actually appear on the ABS exam.

• Since this list includes only drugs with trade names, it is fair to say any drugs with just a generic name can be on the exam too? Ie. Atropine, homatropine, epinephrine, ect.

A: Regarding the use of drug names on the Part I ABS exam -- yes, drugs such as atropine, homatropine, and epinephrine will appear on the exam. The purpose of the drug list is to reassure candidates that if they know certain drugs by trade name, but do not recall what the equivalent generic name is, they do not need to spend time memorizing the generic/trade name equivalents; NBEO will be providing those. As you point out, however, many drugs are not typically referenced by a popular trade name; these drugs may appear on the exam even though they are not on the list.