Instruments: Vision assessment in the field

Any attempt to formalise visual fields testing in a domiciliary setting is of interest. Most automated perimeters are tied to the practice setting and even those marketed as having a degree of portability can be quite cumbersome. A new portable instrument from Denmark is being launched at this year’s Optrafair and, as well as claiming to offer automated visual field assessment, is also able to assess other indicators of visual function.

Ocusweep

The new Ocusweep (Figure 1), distributed in the UK by Mainline Instruments, is designed to be held by the patient and provides a number of test options. Firstly, it can present a variety of standard optotypes to the patient to allow measurement of acuity for distances of 40cm, 1 and 3 metres. It also incorporates a contrast sensitivity chart. When held at the appropriate distance, the screen offers a number of visual field assessments. It claims to be able to measure the full extent of the visual field and also includes standard automated perimetry equivalent assessments such as 30-2, 24-2 and 10-1.