Simplified autorefractions

Optometric Management,  May 2000  by Buscemi, Philip M

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Kids can be a handful in the exam room, but this device can help.

First, I notice a slight change in the atmosphere of my practice - a slight, but perceptible alteration in the decibel levels. That tingle on the back of my neck signals my day is about to change. She appears out of the air with little warning, like a stealth bomber boring directly down on you. It's cute little Cindy, the 4-year-old version of Tony Soprano's mother: always complaining, never happy and more often than not, screaming.

"Oh Dr. Buscemi," her oblivious mother says, "We'd never dream of seeing anyone but you. You've taken such good care of our four other daughters."

Clones, as I recall.

But I'm not worried. I pull out my piece - it's ergonomically molded and surprisingly lightweight - only 2 pounds. As I draw a bead directly on Cindy's right eye, lights are going off as I move in for the shot. The steady beep of its rangefinder changes to a solid tone, confirming a lock on, and it automatically fires. I've just nailed the refraction, thanks to Welch Allyn's new SureSight Autorefractor. Putting it to the test The SureSight is fast and easy to use, with a 14-inch working distance. Simply remove it from its charging cradle, press the "GO" button, point it at the patient's pupil, and she'll see a red fixation light. As you move in, audible beeps indicate whether you're too close or too far away - an easyto-learn method. When you hear the solid tone, wait a second and you'll have your reading.

I decided to put the SureSight Autorefractor to the test. So I gave the instrument to my staff (without any instructions) and told them to try it. They were getting their own readings in minutes.

Key features

The SureSight can be used on all ages. It can refract infants, children and adults and can obtain readings from +S.OOD to -6.OOD of sphere and +/- 3.OOD of cylinder. There's even a special screening mode with a simplified output that specifies abnormal readings for 3- and 4-year-olds, as defined by the American Academies of Optometry and Ophthalmology.

Welch Allyn's SureSight Autorefractor uses flickering lights and sounds to engage a patient's attention and doesn't require cycloplegic drops.

The SureSight can be used continuously for 3 hours on one charge of its lithium battery. Its optics are shock-mounted, and it comes with a carrying case so you can use the SureSight and the printer out of the office.

The SureSight also comes with an RS-232 port for future software upgrades and interfacing with electronic medical records. We hope to eventually incorporate it into our Nidek Advanced Vision Information System (NAVIS). See next month's column for more on NAVIS.

Not just for kids

Although the SureSight is mainly being marketed for pediatric use, we've found other clinical applications for it in our practice. This machine is wonderful for our patients in wheelchairs - imagine how well it would work for nursing home visits.

I also like to use it when we have a patient who's taking more time than expected in the prep area of our office. We perform the autorefraction on the next patient using the SureSight, enter the data into NAVIS manually and move them forward in the exam process.

Try it yourself The SureSight makes testing patients like Cindy quick and painless. So there's no reason to sweat when they walk through your door. And it's available for $4,995. To learn more, visit www.welchallyn.com. A free demonstration video is available through the Web site or by e-mailing suresight@mail.welchallyn.com. Ou

Dr. Buscemi has no financial interest in Wech Allyn. You can reach him at pbuscemi@email.msn.com. Please type "OM" in the topic field and indicate the topic.

Copyright Boucher Communications, Inc. May 2000
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