Keeping and eye out..

Ophthalmoscope. Retinoscope. Trial Frame.

Your university has told you need to buy a whole host of equipment and you are hearing all of these different brand names. Who are they? What’s best for me?!

By this point, if you haven’t already, you will have had the chance to try a variety of equipment in your university labs. Some of your lecturers and clinical supervisors may have also shared what works for them too. These few posts are designed to show you what is out there in the market so you can make an informed decision on a career-long investment!

A few questions to ask yourself before you make your decision:

1. What do student’s in the academic years above recommend?

2. What do the Optometrists you work with or have done work experience with recommend?

3. Which instrument, when using it in labs, feels best in your hand?

4. Which instrument, when using correctly, gives you the best view?

5. Is there scope for any special discounts of student offers you can take advantage of?

My Oculus UB3+ Trial Frame

When I was looking at purchasing my trial frame, one of my supervisors told me, you need to think about the comfort of the patient. How would you feel if you were sitting in the public clinics in third year with a frame that was ill-fitted and uncomfortable?

A popular choice for students is the Oculus Universal Trial Frame. There are a few different models you can purchase. I decided for the Oculus UB3+, the reason for this was that all parts moved smoothly and the construction was of a sleek aluminium and stainless steel finish as imaged. However, I know of others who decided to go for the UB4, a light-weight, super comfortable and easy to use. Both trial frames held 5 pairs of lenses.

I must echo it is important for you to do your research to find the best balance between your budget and brand, style, material and type of frame. You can purchase your trial frame from Keeler who conveniently also offer ophthalmic student sets too! Keeler is a leading provider of products for eye-care specialists.

Who are they?

Keeler has been producing some of the highest quality products for over a century – since 1917! They manufacture and assemble their instruments right here in the UK. Combining optical precision, high quality illumination, ergonomic design and lightweight, durable materials to provide practitioners with the best choice of equipment. Keeler have been offering high quality optometric equipment to the optometry education market for over 80 years so you can be assured they know what they’re doing.

What do you get in the specialist student set?

Specialist Ophthalmoscope and Professional Retinoscope

Contents:

• Specialist LED ophthalmoscope

• Professional LED retinoscope

• 2 Lithium Handles

• Lithium double charger

• Lithium mini charger

• 2 spare spot retinoscope bulbs

• Lens cloth

• Dynamic retinoscopy cards

• 2 black "sure grip" handle sleeves

• Romanes occluder

• Pen torch

• Budgie stick

How I found using Keeler

In my university labs ,and with the Optometrists I work with in practice, I had the opportunity to try out and practice with the Specialist Keeler Ophthalmoscope and the first thing you will notice is that it is incredibly easy to swipe through the various lenses when neutralising your patient’s refractive error to see the fundus. This swift swipe action combined with the elegant thin design makes for a comfortable hold and fit in your hand. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to try the Professional Keeler ophthalmoscope I am aware the Specialist is 50% lighter and 30% brighter – so those challenging ocular media opacities and cataracts can been seen through!

There are a few key technical features which makes Keeler unique:

1. Ultimate comfort- The curved ophthalmoscope head guarantees an optimal viewing angle, larger field of view which is very patient friendly.

2. Slim- Keeler devices are supplied on a thin, lightweight robust handle.

3. Hard-wearing- Keeler ophthalmoscopes are built from resilient, lightweight materials so you can worry-less. They also have high impact resistant covers that are able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use but also protect the optics system.

4. Minimised corneal reflexes- A big factor you will notice when practicing is that the distinctive optics minimise corneal reflexes to ensure you have a sharp and faultless view of the retina and anterior eye.

Keeler Specialist Ophthalmoscope

Keep in mind…

Keeler Student Warranty All Keeler Instruments are unconditionally warranted for as long as you are a student– even if you drop it! Simply return your instrument to them and they will repair or replace it at Keeler's discretion. There is also lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. Excellent Service If your instruments need to be replaced, this can be done at university! Keeler ‘First Aid kits’ are kept up-to date by the Keeler Student Team.

Where can I buy one?

Receiving your student set should be a smooth and swift experience. They offer free delivery exclusively to students with a valid GOC number. Once you receive your student set you may be surprised with the vast contents – there are lots of added extras which will save you money in the long run instead of buying individually e.g your Romanes Occluder and bulbs etc!

Your university may send you an order form and booklet so you can have look at whether the professional or specialist student set suits your needs. In addition there is opportunity to cater to your other equipment needs such as purchasing your trial frame and VOLK lens from Keeler directly. Alternatively you can order online from the student zone here.