direct ophthalmoscope

[smiegal]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Eye residents,
I'm thinking about buying a direct ophthalmoscope prior to intern year. It seems that most hospital/clinic rooms have one available, but I'm thinking that I should get one anyway if I'm going to be an eye doc.

Anyone have experience with the mini versions that are more suitable for carrying in one's coat? Also, any recommended brands/models?

Thanks in advance

 

[GlaucomaMD]

Speaking from my personal experience,

Save your money and buy something else...

Direct ophthalmoscope will always be available wherever you're seeing patients.

Personal direct ophthalmoscope sounds like a good idea, but mine is never charged when you need it, and the battery goes bad in few years. I sure wish I didn't have to buy one during my clinical years in medical school...

Save your money toward buying a portable indirect ophthalmoscope later in your career, if you are so inclined.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Originally posted by GlaucomaMD

Save your money toward buying a portable indirect ophthalmoscope later in your career, if you are so inclined.

I agree with GlaucomaMD. I never used the direct ophthalmoscope I purchased in medical school. There was one in our call bag or tons lying around the clinic.

I sold mine on eBay for $285! 😉

Then I sold my friend's for over $250. 😉

 

[Jaded Soul]

Originally posted by GlaucomaMD
Personal direct ophthalmoscope sounds like a good idea, but mine is never charged when you need it, and the battery goes bad in few years. I sure wish I didn't have to buy one during my clinical years in medical school...

Don't the manufacturers warrant against the battery going dead? I swear I remember the Welsh-Allyn sales reps saying that when they were talking up their products during the first week of med school. Something about a life-time guarantee for any reason. You could get yours fixed and eBay it for some quick cash.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Originally posted by Jaded Soul
Don't the manufacturers warrant against the battery going dead? I swear I remember the Welsh-Allyn sales reps saying that when they were talking up their products during the first week of med school. Something about a life-time guarantee for any reason. You could get yours fixed and eBay it for some quick cash.

That's interesting b/c each battery has an expiration date.

 

[dk23]

If ophthalmologists never use a direct ophthalmascope, then what do students use during ophthalmology clerkships/electives? 😕 Will we be learning the indirect method?

Just curious, how much does a portable indirect cost?

 

[christie]

I'm just visting from the optometry forum. I use the direct when a patient refuses to be dilated or in cases when I am visiting nursing homes and don't have an indirect with me.

Thinking of getting an indirect though, I have seen quite a few available. Any brand recommended?

Thanks 🙂

 

[Mirror Form]

If ophthalmologists never use a direct ophthalmascope, then what do students use during ophthalmology clerkships/electives? 😕 Will we be learning the indirect method?

Just curious, how much does a portable indirect cost?

Sometimes ophthalmologists do use direct ophthalmoscopes. But since every exam room has one, and every call bag has one, why buy your own?

 

[mdkurt]

I'm just visting from the optometry forum. I use the direct when a patient refuses to be dilated or in cases when I am visiting nursing homes and don't have an indirect with me.

Thinking of getting an indirect though, I have seen quite a few available. Any brand recommended?

Thanks 🙂

I have a Keeler Vantage, and it works pretty well. The battery doesn't hold much of a charge, but I heard that this has been improved. Heine also makes a good indirect--I haven't heard of either brand breaking much. I don't think you'll be disappointed regardless of which brand you buy.

 

[Retinamark]

I use the direct when a patient refuses to be dilated

Once you get used to it, I think you still get a much better view, even through an undilated pupil, with a Superfield lens. You have to hold it perfectly still bc the positioning is much more crucial with a tiny pupil, but you can still get a view of the disc & the arcades through an undilated pupil. Not the macula though, bc the light reflexes get in the way

Also, a 30 D lens, with your indirect is useful for small pupils. It's great for pts in ICU if the neurosurgeons won't let you dilate the pupils. Again, the positioning is critical & you only get a tiny FOV, but you can still nearly always at least see the disc.

I bought a Keeler Spectra, & I've been really happy with it.

 

[cpw]

yep.. I do the same thing. I get a much better view with an undilated superfield than the direct. (especially the directs in our clinic don't hold a charge)