What is a phoropter?
A phoropter is a machine that some optometrists use in place of the traditional trial frame. Trial frames and phoropters are both used to determine the refractive error, a process called refraction. It’s how we quantify a patient’s long/short-sightedness and astigmatism. Most phoropters have a rack of lenses inside. The patient sits behind and looks towards a screen while the optometrist asks a series of questions. The optometrist changes the lenses according to the patient’s answers. They do so via a console.
Why is the Essilor Vision-R800 different?
The Vision-R800 is a state-of-the-art phoropter that contains a patented, automated optical module powered by digitally controlled motors. The module replaces the rack of lenses, so makes for a much smaller and less cumbersome phoropter head. It is also very quiet, slick and smooth. The neat head allows the patient a wide field of view and makes it easy for the optometrist to see and read patient facial expressions and cues. Five years of research by Essilor showed that 95% of people are sensitive to increments of less than 0.25D. The Essilor Vision-R800 measures to a precision of one hundredth of a dioptre, because the value of the sphere, (amount of long/short-sightedness) and cylinder, (amount of astigmatism), can be changed in 0.01D increments. This is unprecedented precision. To go hand-in-hand with that, Essilor offers premium lenses integrating this precise prescription in most of their spectacle lens options. It enables the patient to reach their full visual potential.
The Vision-R 800 is an automated, accurate phoropter that can help you to reach the final refraction much quicker than traditional methods, complete with unique SMART algorithms to assist you during the procedure.
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Patented automated optical module
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Simultaneous and instantaneous changes of sphere, cylinder and axis
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Wider field of view compared to standard phoropter
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More accurate resulting in more precise prescriptions
Patient comfort
The phoropter is operated from a console which helps maintain social distance between practitioner and patient. The smooth power changes and the wide field of vision make for a very comfortable refraction process for the patient. There is no heavy trial frame and no whirring of lenses in a rack. The procedure is shorter than a traditional refraction, so there is less fatigue. Throughout the process, each step is adjusted to patient sensitivity so differences are easier to perceive. It’s easier for the patient to respond and the response “I don’t know” is a valid one. At the end of the test, there is an option to show the patient a comparison of their previous prescription with the new one by watching an animation. The animation simulates real-life conditions and is excellent. It demonstrates to the patient the improvement they can expect from their new prescription.
Quicker and smarter refraction
The Vision-R 800 phoropter offers continuous and simultaneous changes of sphere power, cylinder axis and cylinder power. This enables the phoropter to reach the final refraction quicker than traditional methods. Smart tests and programmes can assist in conducting the whole procedure, ensuring we are able to give a fully reliable prescription to every patient we see.