Clinical Tools
Name: Amsler Grids
Price: Free
The poor sensitivity of the Amsler and the rise of the OCT will see the total demise of the technique as a means of screening for macular degeneration. However, as a means of patient-centred monitoring of macular vision, and for purposes of patient understanding, I think the test will survive. I have started using a free app version (from Konan) of the Amsler grid on domiciliary visits and find that it has some obvious benefits. Firstly, the touchscreen makes it easier for a patient to record their visual distortions and blind areas. Secondly, electronic storage is much better than paper and I fail to see any reason for using a paper version any more.
The Konan app has standard, reverse contrast, red, fixation cross, and small grid options as would be expected, and saved results are stored in images or could easily be transferred to a central resource if required and if secure (figures 1 to 5). The app could easily be used by a patient too.
Clinical Tools
Patient Focus
Name: Amsler 3D
Price: Free
This is a nice variation of the above and worth a view at least. Essentially, it is an electronic Amsler designed for use by the patient. It is likely that we will continue to issue Amsler grids to patients with maculopathy to help to monitor progressive change and to screen for sudden changes. The main screen has all the variation options clearly shown (figure 6), and there is an American voice over to take the patient through the process of self-testing. It is easy to set up the app with yours or your practice’s details (figure 7 - below) and equally easy to allow the patient to send in a report after each check (figure 8).
Clinical Tools
Name: Konan Acuity
Price: Free
Most acuity charts available for tablets are restricted versions of healthily priced full versions (and for such an important test guaranteeing both portability and accuracy, we should not baulk at cost), so I was pleased to find this neat and easy to use free app had reasonable functionality.
A range of charts, targets and symbols, target patterns and single letter options are all available, and it is easy to reset to any specific working distance and acuity notation (figures 9 to 12). Excellent for a free app.
The author has no commercial interests in any product