Abstract: A method for evaluating and measuring accommodation amplitude in one or both eyes of a person by subjecting the person to a near-vision visual acuity test comprising a target having optotypes displayed thereon, different targets having different sized optotypes, determining the nearest point at which the person accurately identifies a majority of the optotypes on the target, and introducing either a sufficiently powered plus lens or sufficiently powered minus lens to locate the nearest point within an identified range of distances from the eye. An apparatus is also disclosed for employing the versions of the method, comprising a holder connected to a slide rule, a track for movably positioning the holder, and a lens positioner for introducing plus or minus lenses as needed. A reference point marker may be positioned along the track for identifying the range of distances at which the nearest point is desired to be located.