Ophthalmoscopes are used to observe what part of the eye?

• A. The fundus of the eye
• B. The cornea
• C. The retina only
• D. The eyelid and lashes

Answer: (A)

Ophthalmoscopes are used to visualize the back of the eye—the fundus. This includes the retina, optic nerve head, macula, and the retinal vessels. By shining light and looking through the pupil, the device lets you observe these internal structures to assess eye health and detect problems such as retinal issues or changes at the optic nerve.

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye and is examined with other tools, like a slit lamp, rather than with the ophthalmoscope. The eyelids and lashes are external features not targeted by this instrument. Hence, what you observe with an ophthalmoscope is the fundus of the eye.