Assessing visual function on the move

I managed to get hold of the new Ocusweep unit (UK distributor Mainline Instruments Ltd) at the end of last year and was impressed by its novel design and flexibility. The unit is ostensibly a visual field assessment unit but is also capable of a range of acuity, contrast and response measurements which should make it an interesting proposition for those looking to offer a battery of visual function tests for patients.

Set up

The instrument comprises several components (figure 1). There is the main display screen, a hand held controller, a tablet and a link to a computer. For operation, the tablet is mounted upon the main unit (figure 2). The instrument is said to be portable and, though a little on the bulky side, can be reasonably carried around using the two side handles. The examination settings and results are all established via a web link and can be imported or exported as long as there is Wi-Fi access. The main screen may be used in a range of environments as calibration for background lighting and viewing distances is undertaken before each use. The angle of the main screen needs to be set for each patient by use of a simple lock at the rear of the unit (figure 3).