Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) Practice Test 2026 - Free COT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The classification of fixation typically refers to the state or type of ocular alignment and how the eyes maintain fixation on a target. In this context, primary, secondary, and tertiary fixation are recognized categories that describe the manner and efficiency by which the eyes fixate or focus on objects.

Primary fixation involves the direct line of sight and is usually the point of initial gaze. Secondary fixation may refer to maintaining focus after an initial movement or is associated with secondary tracking movements. Tertiary fixation can involve more complex forms of eye movement and adjustments that are necessary for visual processing.

Static fixation, however, is not classified under the same categorizations as primary, secondary, and tertiary. Instead, it refers to the ability to maintain a steady gaze without actively switching focus or making adjustments to the position of the eyes. As such, static fixation pertains more to a state of fixation rather than a classification within the types of ocular movements or mechanisms involved in fixation.

This distinction highlights why the correct answer is considered not to fit the standard classification of fixation types.