Which term describes the process of determining refractive errors of the eye?

The process of determining refractive errors of the eye is best described by the term refraction. Refraction involves examining how light is bent or refracted as it passes through the eye, which helps to identify errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. During this process, a series of tests and measurements are performed, often using a phoropter or a refractor to determine the appropriate lens prescription needed for optimal vision.

While terms like optometry and photometry are related to eye care and optics, they do not specifically refer to the assessment of refractive errors. Optometry is the overall profession that encompasses a variety of aspects in eye care, including the examination of refractive status, but it is not the process itself. Photometry pertains to the measurement of light and its properties but does not relate to the examination of refractive errors. Retinoscopy is a specific technique used within the broader process of refraction to objectively measure refractive errors by observing the reflection of light off the retina. However, refraction, as a more general term, is the overarching process that incorporates both subjective and objective methods, including retinoscopy. Thus, refraction accurately encapsulates