ACCORDING TO PLENOPTIKA, which makes a portable autorefractor, over 1 billion people globally have poor vision that could be improved with prescription glasses. The problem is prevalent in developing nations, but also affects underserved populations in rich countries. Every month, Dr. Charles Schlievert fills a bag with diagnostic tools and visits prisons and nursing homes to conduct eye exams. He says “often these patients have lower expectations but higher needs.” In many parts of the U.S. people still lack access to eyecare, yet with easily portable diagnostic tools, an OD can measure sight and write Rxs. Over the years, such tools have become lighter, more efficient, and more accurate.
IBISVision
IBIS-Connect combines multiple eye tests on an interactive platform that’s accessed online to connect optometrists with their patients at home.
ibis.vision
EyeNetra
Their digital lensometer, Netrometer, can capture the refraction of single vision, bi-focal, and progressive lenses in seconds with the precision of 0.08D.
(617) 684-5680 | eyenetra.com
Keystone View
VS-V GT Medical Vision Screener conducts tests in five minutes in reflected light rather than with backlit targets to mirror everyday visual function. It can accommodate patients who use progressive lenses.
keystoneview.com
Plenoptika
QuickSee, a handheld autorefractor, helps perform clinically accurate autorefraction in low resource settings.
(617) 862-2203 | plenoptika.com
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Baxter
Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener is a hand-held autorefractor that identifies refractive errors and ocular misalignment in children and adults.
(800) 535-6663 | baxter.com
Developall
Diaton’s tonometer can measure intraocular pressure through the eyelid and sclera without any contact with the eyeball or the cornea.
(877) 342-8667 | tonometerdiaton.com
iCare
iCare’s IC200 tonometer can capture intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements fast and is suitable for all patients whether they are supine, reclined or seated.
icare-world.com/us/
Smart Ways to Use Portable Diagnostic Tools
Charles SchlievertOD RCSVision, Atlanta, GA
Portable products have opened doors to me. I can fit all my equipment in a tote bag. I visit prisons and nursing homes to carry out comprehensive eye exams about 15 days a month. PlenOptika’s QuickSee autorefractor is my refractor of choice. It’s easy to operate, it’s impressive for the patient because they can hold it near their eyes, it’s efficient, and it’s a solid unit. I also take iCare’s IC200 tonometer, which works well with anyone and can take IOP measurements even if a person is lying down. I also like Keeler’s Spectra Iris Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope (BIO) which I wrap around my neck. Lastly, I use EyeNetra’s lensometer to verify Rxs. Patients are grateful for the visits. It’s easier and less expensive for the facility to accommodate me and patients can be seen more promptly. At nursing homes, I go room to room and the patient can stay in their bed.
Arnold Zide, OD
EyePhoria Optical, Beverly, MA
I consult at three universities’ athletic programs and go on the road once a week using portable, digital and iPhone devices. I work out of a physician’s office in the facilities. I use the Welch-Allyn Spot Autorefractor from Baxter, the Volk Pictor retinal camera, EyeNetra’s handheld phoropter, and to diagnose glaucoma, a Diaton tonometer through the eyelid. I keep all my electronic health records on the cloud, and I have an eye chart on my iPad. The retinal camera is not quite as good as the floor model, Optos, but gives me what I need. The Keystone Ophthalmic Telebinocular instrument can give me readings for distance, near, depth perception, and color, for both eyes in about ten minutes and I can link it to the computer. Patients love this convenience.