ABO NOCE Basic Opticianry Frame Adjustment Techniques by Material 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When adjusting a titanium frame's temples, which technique is most appropriate?
- Apply dry heat with a frame warmer, then bend
- Bend slowly with fingers or pliers at room temperature without heat (Correct answer)
- Immerse in hot water before bending
- Use a torch to heat the metal before adjustment
Correct answer: Bend slowly with fingers or pliers at room temperature without heat
Titanium is adjusted cold using slow, steady pressure because it has memory properties and applying heat can damage its finish or alter its temper.
Question 2: A patient's zyl (acetate) frame shows whitening at a bend point after adjustment. This indicates:
- The frame was adjusted correctly and color will return
- The material was bent while too cool, causing stress fractures (Correct answer)
- The frame needs a second round of heating to set the adjustment
- The acetate has oxidized and needs polishing
Correct answer: The material was bent while too cool, causing stress fractures
Whitening or stress marks in acetate indicate the material was bent cold or at an insufficient temperature, creating micro-fractures in the plastic.
Question 3: Which of the following frame materials should NEVER be placed in a salt pan or frame warmer?
- Zyl (cellulose acetate)
- Stainless steel
- Optyl (Correct answer)
- Memory metal (beta-titanium)
Correct answer: Optyl
Optyl is a thermoset epoxy resin that has shape memory—it returns to its original molded shape when heated, so applying heat reverses adjustments rather than aiding them.
Question 4: A patient returns with a metal frame whose nose pads are pressing unevenly. The correct first step is to:
- Replace the nose pads entirely
- Use pad-adjusting pliers to reposition the pad arms symmetrically (Correct answer)
- Heat the bridge area with a flame to soften the metal
- Advise the patient this cannot be adjusted
Correct answer: Use pad-adjusting pliers to reposition the pad arms symmetrically
Pad-adjusting pliers allow precise repositioning of metal pad arms to achieve symmetrical, even pressure without damaging the frame.
Question 5: What is the primary reason TR-90 (nylon-based) frames require a different adjustment approach than standard acetate?
- TR-90 melts at a lower temperature than acetate
- TR-90 has high flexibility and memory, resisting permanent deformation from heat alone (Correct answer)
- TR-90 cannot be adjusted at all and must be remade
- TR-90 expands significantly when warmed, distorting the frame shape
Correct answer: TR-90 has high flexibility and memory, resisting permanent deformation from heat alone
TR-90's nylon composition gives it spring-like memory, meaning adjustments may need more force and the frame may partially revert, requiring patient counseling about limitations.
Question 6: A stainless steel frame temple needs to be opened slightly for a wider head. The optician should:
- Heat the temple with a frame warmer to 140°F before bending
- Use temple-spreading pliers or gently spread the temple by hand at room temperature (Correct answer)
- Score the metal lightly before bending to prevent cracking
- Immerse the frame in boiling water for 30 seconds
Correct answer: Use temple-spreading pliers or gently spread the temple by hand at room temperature
Stainless steel is adjusted cold because heat is unnecessary and a torch could discolor or weaken the metal; gentle manual or plier pressure achieves the spread.
Question 7: When performing a four-point touch alignment check on a frame, you are verifying that:
- All four screws are tightened equally
- Both temples and both pad arms contact a flat surface simultaneously, confirming the frame is not twisted (Correct answer)
- The pantoscopic tilt is set to four degrees on both lenses
- The frame is symmetrical at four measurement points along the bridge
Correct answer: Both temples and both pad arms contact a flat surface simultaneously, confirming the frame is not twisted
The four-point touch test places the frame face-down; all four contact points (two temples, two pad arms) should rest flat simultaneously to confirm proper alignment.
ABO NOCE Basic Opticianry Frame Adjustment Techniques by Material 2
When adjusting a titanium frame's temples, which technique is most appropriate?