American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Practice Test 2025 - Free ABO Practice Questions and Study Guide

A minus lens, also known as a concave lens, is characterized by its ability to minify or reduce the size of an image seen through it. This characteristic is a result of the lens shape, which is thinner at the center and thicker at the edges. When light rays enter a concave lens, they diverge or spread out, which results in the formation of a virtual image that appears smaller than the object itself. This minifying effect is particularly useful in correcting nearsightedness (myopia), allowing individuals to see distant objects more clearly.

The other options represent different characteristics that are not associated with a minus lens. "Slows down" does not accurately describe the optical properties of a minus lens, as the lens itself does not affect the speed of light but rather the direction in which the light rays travel. "Reflects" pertains to the behavior of certain types of surfaces or coatings but does not define the function of a minus lens. "Disperses" is more commonly associated with lenses that split light into its component colors, typically seen in prisms rather than concave lenses. Thus, the defining feature of a minus lens is its ability to minify images, making this the correct answer.