Apr 11 2014
Spot, the handheld binocular autorefractor from PediaVision, is garnering praise from ophthalmology and optometry practices as a sound investment that has enabled them to simplify patient care in multiple ways. Among the device's fans are the Hunkeler Eye Institute, P.A. in Overland Park, Kan., Arizona Vision in Phoenix, Ariz., Genoa Family Eye Care in Ohio and Southridge Optical in Greendale, Wis.
A portable, lightweight, Wi-Fi-enabled device, Spot measures monocular or binocular refractions, eye alignment, pupillary distance and pupil size. The device's combination of patent-pending optics and processing algorithms makes these procedures as simple as using a camera, providing a comprehensive, reliable analysis in just seconds.
"I think that it's smart that we purchased Spot. It definitely helps," said Donna Norwood, the ophthalmologic technician at the Hunkeler Eye Institute. The Hunkeler Eye Institute does not see children, but Norwood recognizes the device's capacity for helping patients of all ages. "It's not just invaluable for children, but also invaluable for adults," she said.
Norwood particularly appreciates the device's quick and non-invasive nature, which requires minimal cooperation from patients. "We use it on our most difficult patients," she stated, referring to patients with medical conditions that cause them to respond badly to the close proximity required by normal autorefractors, e.g., senior citizens with Parkinson's disease. "When the other autorefractors are introduced to patients with Parkinson's, their shaking gets worse," Norwood explained. "With Spot, I can get out of the patient's space and do the test from about three feet across the room."
Dr. Mark J. Page, an optometrist with Arizona Vision, also appreciates the convenience of the device. "Spot replaced our auto refractor," he said. "I think it is a valuable addition. It's so easy to use." Page especially appreciates the device's portability, which allows him to conduct tests in the exam room. "Before Spot, we had to go to the pretest room and sit down at every station," he stated.
William Kegerize, OD of Genoa Family Eye Care is another fan of the device's portability. "I love Spot, we take it between our two offices," he said, referring to his practice, Genoa Family Eye Care, in Genoa, Ohio and at James Optical in Oregon, Ohio. "It is priceless."
Compared to the others, James Wagner, OD of Southridge Optical has been using Spot for the shortest time period, almost a year, but he is also an unwavering fan. "I didn't realize how valuable Spot would be until I actually got one," he said. "It's so much easier and my staff loves it."
About Spot
The award-winning Spot, invented by PediaVision, is dedicated to solving undiagnosed vision problems affecting millions of people around the world each day. According to the World Health Organization, the annual cost of productivity lost to refractive vision impairment worldwide is $269 million[1] with undetected vision issues being the most prevalent disabling condition among children[2]. PediaVision is passionate about ensuring that everyone – regardless of their age, developmental capacity, or limits in mobility – deserves the same chance to see clearly. Supported by ophthalmologists, optometrists, scientists and leading technology innovators, Spot is a new generation of user-friendly technology that transcends age, developmental capacity and mobility. For more information, including how to order Spot, please visit www.SeeSpotNow.com.
Sources
(1) Source: WHO, Global cost of correcting vision impairment from uncorrected refractive error http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/90/10/12-104034/en/
(2) Source: CDC, Improving the Nation's Vision Health http://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/pdf/improving_nations_vision_health.pdf