16 May 2021
Non-contact assessments
Birmingham Optical has partnered with IbisVision to offer its computer-based diagnostic test platform, aiming to help ensure daily practice remains undisrupted, while social distancing remains “increasingly important for staff and patients.”
The platform facilitates non-contact eye assessments, or remote eye examination. The suite includes a variety of tests including visual fields (full threshold), Amsler, Colour (Ishihara) and Visual Acuity (LogMAR / Snellen with crowding), with more to be added.
The system can be used in the practice, or in the patient’s home, guided by a practitioner for clinical validity and accuracy. As a result, the company shared: “The system provides options like pre-visit vision assessment, triage and remote monitoring (including for shared care).”
IbisVision, a Glasgow-based company, has announced its intention to accelerate plans to roll-out the platform to UK and US optometrists, funded by an investment from Compiler Venture Capital and Innovate UK.
IbisVision commercial director, Melville Berwick, said: “Working with Birmingham Optical is a welcome opportunity for IbisVision and we’re delighted that they’ve chosen us to be one of the products they offer to their customers. This partnership is a positive step for our business and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together as we continue to rollout our remote optometry solution.”
A faster refraction
Essilor has launched its new Vision-R700 phoropter, aiming to offer a faster and socially distanced refraction. The new device can obtain a refraction in three minutes, whilst still gaining accurate and repeatable results, the company explained, incorporating a series of patient-specific smart programmes to shorten the process.
The device features the Digital Infinite Refraction process, which automatically compensates for the effect that any changes in sphere, cylinder and axis had on one of the other dimensions. The phoropter can be operated from up to seven metres away, with the company suggesting that this makes the device particularly beneficial for practices operating through COVID-19.
Essilor instruments director, Paul Cumber, explained: “By reducing chair time, the new phoropter could help practices see up to two extra patients a day. This is invaluable amongst current COVID-19 restrictions.”
Supporting distancing
Grafton Optical has highlighted the Rexxam DR-900 Motorised Refractor Head, which can help to maintain appropriate distancing when performing refraction procedures. The five-metre cables and auto-phoropter allow for increased distancing, the company suggests, while the face panel is fully detachable to allow for cleaning.
Rexxam has recently introduced a major software upgrade to the DR-900 and LCD-1000/P test chart, Grafton Optical told OT, adding a range of features including a spatial frequency contrast sensitivity test and Pigassou Children charts.
On the DR-900, manufacturers have improved the fog function behaviour, added an ‘unaided button’ for quick comparisons and a dimming function of LED illumination for near tests. Rexxam also added N stereo test and precision stereo test for both products.
Fog-free examinations
Louis Stone Optical has introduced anti-fogging Volk ClearPods to support practitioners dealing with “the inconvenience of fogging lenses…affecting one’s view and slowing down eye examinations.”
The tool incorporates carefully designed wing and flange features to divert warm currents of air away from the lens surface, while accommodating the right working distance. The ledge on the inside of the ClearPod is designed to act as a back-stop to guide the lens into the right position.
The company suggests the tool enables practitioners to take “ample time” to conduct detailed exams “without having to interrupt care.”
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