Which of the following tests would improve visual acuity for a patient with an uncorrected refractive error?

The pinhole occluder is a tool used in clinical practice that can help improve visual acuity in patients with uncorrected refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). When patients look through a pinhole, only the light rays entering the eye in a straight line reach the retina, which reduces the effects of spherical aberrations and other optical imperfections. This narrowing of the aperture allows for a clearer image, as the pinhole effectively eliminates light rays that are not focused perfectly by the eye's lens.

When a healthcare professional uses a pinhole occluder during an eye exam, it can help determine whether the patient's decreased visual acuity is due to a refractive error rather than another underlying issue. If placing the pinhole improves vision, it indicates that correcting the refractive error with glasses or contact lenses could enhance the patient's visual acuity significantly.

The other tests listed do not serve the same purpose in the context of improving visual acuity for uncorrected refractive errors. A visual field test assesses peripheral vision but does not address acuity. A refraction test determines the prescription needed to correct vision but does not provide immediate improvement during the exam. A contrast sensitivity