Which term best describes retinoscopy as part of the refraction process?

Retinoscopy is best described as an objective method in the refraction process because it involves measuring the refractive error of the eye without requiring direct input from the patient regarding their visual experience. During retinoscopy, a light is shone into the eye, and the reflection of the light from the retina is observed through the use of lenses to determine the required corrective lens power. This process relies on the clinician’s skills and instruments rather than the patient’s subjective feedback about what they see, making it an objective measurement of refractive error.

In contrast, subjective assessments, such as asking a patient to identify letters on an eye chart or to express which lenses make their vision clearer, rely heavily on the patient's personal evaluation and perception of their vision. This distinction is crucial when understanding different testing methods in vision care.