This part of ISO 8598 specifies requirements and test methods for general purpose focimeters designed for the measurement of vertex powers, cylinder axis, prismatic power and prism base setting within a restricted area at a specified location of a lens. This excludes instruments that can only measure the whole lens at once.

It is applicable to instruments typically intended for use by the ophthalmic community, with the capability to demonstrate conformity of lens products with the International Standards existing for these lenses.