Seeing triple

Martin Smith Opticians has become the first practice in the UK to introduce the Paskal 3D sight testing system.

Paskal 3D has been used across Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the past four years and is now available at the Lincoln-based independent practice after optometrist Dr Martin Smith witnessed the system in operation at Optrafair earlier this year (9–11 April).

The AOP’s Optometrist of the Year 2015, Dr Smith, told OT: “I feel that Paskal 3D is going to give more accurate results.”

“What we usually do is cover one eye, which abolishes the patient’s binocular vision. It also makes them a bit uncomfortable when we switch between eyes, then we try to fix that by balancing it afterwards,” he explained.

“With this test, you’re doing the entire test with both of the patient’s eyes open, keeping them in their normal binocular state. That is more accurate and more representative of the state they’re going to be in when they walk out of the door,” Dr Smith added.

Martin Smith Opticians began using the system with patients on 6 October, following a launch event with inventor Fritz Passman, who showcased how Paskal 3D works and explained its benefits.

Paskal 3D is designed to create a more engaging sight test that allows the optometrist carry out a sight test with a 3D background that stimulates the patient’s binocular vision.

The system is controlled using an iPad that is connected to a 3D TV via Apple TV, and offers over 80 sight test charts in ten different categories.

Patients will initially see a mountainous backdrop in 3D, with hot air balloons, cats and dogs, and the alphabet all featuring during the test.

Mr Passman added: “The 3D experience allows the patient to relax. It’s very good for the patient to be tested without pressure. The patient is more comfortable and concentrates more.”