Optos: Remote controlled
Optos says that over the past 12 months, its ultra-widefield imaging has come into its own due to the speed, efficiency, comfort and safety offered by its optomap technology, which is used across the company’s various imaging devices. In less than half a second, optomap captures 200º or 82% of the retina in a single shot. This can be done through pupils as small as 2mm, which allows optometrists to determine when dilation is needed. All devices image with no close-up face-to-face interactions, as the operator, be it front house staff or clinicians, control all adjustments at a distance with a hand controller or tablet. The images can also be reviewed remotely, if required. According to Optos, the integration of optomap to produce more clinically relevant information, more rapidly and in a more patient friendly manner, can make important contributions to multiple aspects of the current efficiency and safety challenge.
Shamir: Safe experience
Shamir highlights its Spark Mi Up dispensing measurement device as a good way to serve customers while maintaining physical distance. The company says Spark Mi Up provides an innovative and safe customer experience while allowing all measurements to be taken with one click from a safe distance with no physical contact. The device features an adjustable arm that allows customers to manually adjust the height easily if needed. For smaller practices, Shamir recommends adding a plastic transparent partition between the staff member and the customer.
Mainline Instruments: Sharp images from a distance
The DRSplus from Mainline Instruments is a TrueColor confocal fundus imaging system that is said to provide detail-rich images with superior image sharpness, optical resolution and contrast when compared to a traditional fundus camera. Mainline says the technology allows for imaging through pupils as small as 2.5mm without the need for dilation while media opacities are also not a problem and the device can scan through cataract with ease.
The system allows the user to socially distance while maintaining full functionality of the device through an optional feature called DRSplus Remote Exam. This enables the user to carry out an exam remotely, extending the distance between operator and patient. Remote Exam uses your network to achieve this and therefore it is even possible to perform the examination in a different room, if required.
Nikon: Tablet control
Lenswear-i, an iPad based all-in-one dispensing device, incorporates a measuring system, an augmented reality simulation of Nikon’s full product portfolio and a frame selection tool. Nikon says that many of its partner practices use Lenswear-i to demonstrate visual solutions together with aesthetic improvements, using a thickness calculation simulation based on the patient’s prescription and lens size, resulting in premium lens and multi-pair dispensing. Said to be fast and efficient, Lenswear-i uses just two images to measure centration and position of wear measurements, including near inset, for full lens customisation. The software links to Nikon’s online ordering platform My Nikon World, streamlining the ordering process. Lenswear-i is a portable device, not a fixed unit, allowing the user to maintain social distancing while dispensing in any chosen area in the practice, fitting the flow of today’s consumer journey.
Hanson: Autofit feature
The CSO Antares Topographer from Hanson Instruments is said to offer greater scope for improving patient care in the current climate with software designed to help in the detection and analysis of dry eye. The device can perform a tear breakup analysis together with imaging of the sclera, lid margins and meibomian glands culminating in a coherent dry eye report. In addition, the topographer enables the user to create distance between themselves and the patient with contact lens autofit, saving time fitting and refitting lenses. Hanson says social distancing in practice has caused an increase in time needed between patients, which means an overall reduction in the numbers of patients seen. Consequently, the company emphasises that making the best use of time with each patient is imperative for business and being able to offer additional services will benefit both patients and practice.
Seiko: Standing up for socially distanced dispensing
Seiko has recently introduced its Column device that is said to enable efficient and socially distant dispensing measurements to be easily captured. The company says the Column fits easily not only into the practice environment but also the dispensing consultation as it can be networked to the practice workstations, allowing information to be transferred seamlessly. The Column captures the measurements in an instant, with a high level of accuracy, all while the patient is stood at a safe distance from the member of the practice team. Seiko says that the device can also be used to demonstrate many product options, allowing the patient to gain a better understanding of these without the need for touching samples. Similarly the Column can also take photographs of the patient wearing their selected frame to assist with safer frame selection.
Topcon: Always in control
Topcon’s Chronos is said to be a complete digital refraction solution that combines binocular objective autorefraction, keratometry and subjective refraction in a single device. The fully automated system features the guided refraction software, SightPilot, which simplifies the exam and permits delegation to a clinical assistant or dispensing optician. The optometrist always retains control of the system either through Chronos’ standard interface or through remote operation. Topcon says Chronos saves time and space and allows eye care providers to delegate the refraction process and grow their practice. The company also states that Chronos is the culmination of Topcon’s commitment to developing highly advanced multi-modal medical devices and software platforms that allow today’s eye care providers to practice smartly, safely and more efficiently.
Grafton Optical: Motor head
The Rexxam DR-900 Motorised Refractor Head, supplied by Grafton Optical, helps to maintain appropriate distancing when performing refraction procedures. According to Grafton, the DR-900 system offers high quality and reliable digital refraction with a fast, smooth and quiet measurement. The five-meter cables included allow for increased distancing between the operator and the patient while the auto-phoropter helps to maintain distance to the patient when performing the refraction procedure. The face panel is fully detachable to allow for easy and thorough cleaning while the high speed, silent head offers a brighter and wider field of view (40°). For a limited time Grafton is offering the device in a competitively priced bundle with the LCD-1000 or LCD100-P Digital Test Chart.
Waterside Labs: Bluetooth control
With social distancing being the new norm in practice, Waterside Labs says that the tablet-based Optikam system functions as both a measuring system and a dispensing aid. The device allows a user to take measurements with minimal human-to-human contact while, according to the company, the patented technology is easy to use and extremely precise. Waterside also notes that the latest version of the OptikamPad can be put on a stand and operated from distance via the OptikamPad app and using a Bluetooth mouse.
Essilor: Space saving for social distancing
Essilor is soon to launch its Vision-S700, providing a refraction experience it says patients are guaranteed to remember. The new all-in-one device is an ultra compact unit that is said to perform a full refraction in just three minutes, while still ensuring academic accuracy. Essilor says that the Vision-S700 offers space saving benefits and promotes safe social distancing as it can be operated by a keypad at a distance of seven meters away from the patient. Furthermore the company states that it is simple for both ECPs and patients to use thanks to its unique smart tests and algorithms while its immersive lens simulations can help ECPs convert lens recommendations into sales. A preview of the device is available at youtube.com/watch?v=xqxi5pyH0Os. ‘The new kit is ideal for independents looking to incorporate social distancing into an eye examination and wanting to reshape the future of their practice,’ says Tim Precious, managing director at Essilor Ltd.
- essilor.co.uk
Thomson Software Solutions: Online vision screening
Thomson Software Solutions notes that, during lockdown, many people have been unable or unwilling to have an eye examination and even after lockdown is eased, it is likely to take a while for the more vulnerable to gain the confidence to re-engage with eye care. To help in this matter, the company’s CheckMyVision is a Cloud-based system that allows patients to check their vision in the comfort of their own homes, using their own PC, laptop or tablet. Practices can add a button to their website that will take the patient through the vision screening test including an intelligent questionnaire, tests of distance and near acuity and a number plate test. The patient then views a customised report within a portal customised for the practice. A public facing website will also create incremental business for practices by directing visitors to the nearest practice hosting CheckMyVision.
Zeiss: Optimising patient throughput
Zeiss says its OCT technology gives practices the flexibility to adapt workflows with the option to implement socially distanced or even remote OCT imaging. The Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT family is said to support the implementation of no-touch, physically-distanced and ultra-fast OCT exams in practice, with breath shields also available. Any Cirrus device gives the option to set up a remote workstation for OCT exams. This allows for communication with a patient and acquisition of images while being seated in different rooms – or even in different buildings. The company specifically encourages practices to minimise chair time and optimise patient throughput with the high-speed imaging and efficient single-page reports provided by the new Zeiss Cirrus 6000.
- zeiss.ly/cirrus-social-distancing
