Which instrument would you use to view the inner structures of the eye?

• A. Ophthalmoscope
• B. Otoscope
• C. Endoscope
• D. Stethoscope

Answer: (B)

Viewing the inner structures of the eye is done with an ophthalmoscope. This instrument shines light into the pupil and provides a magnified view of the retina, optic nerve head, and retinal blood vessels—the fundus of the eye. It’s specifically designed for examining these internal eye structures. An otoscope is for inspecting the ear canal and eardrum, not the eye. An endoscope is a general-purpose instrument for looking inside body cavities, but it’s not the standard tool used for routine eye fundus exams. A stethoscope is used to listen to heart and lung sounds. So the ophthalmoscope is the appropriate device for viewing the eye’s inner structures.