Anyone have any good advice on where to find a good, sturdy, and reasonably priced ophthalmoscope? I've broken my original one. The ones they sell as our local hospital supply store are ourageously overpriced...
... any tips on good brands and suppliers? I'm looking for one of the rechargeable ones that plug into wall sockets and have a pretty sturdy feel (I have a tendacy to break fragile things...). Opinions welcomed.
I have to assume you are referring to a
direct ophthalmoscope.
Do you just need the scope or do you also need a handle? If you are an ophthalmology resident, you really don't need one, BIO is generally the standard exam technique.
For sheer ruggednes and compatibility in North America, nothing beats Welch-Allyn. Their directs are pretty much the office standard all over. That being said, Heine makes a very fine alternative and builds versions that have the twist lock that makes them compatible with Welch-Allyn battery handles.
W-A makes 3.5v and 2.5v equipment, the newer designs are 3.5v. I think that they also make LiIon battery handles, which are better than NiCd, as rechargables go. That isn't so much an issue if you use your handles in an exam lane iand keep them on a charger, but if you are supplying a call kit which does not sit in a charger regularly, the LiIon would hold a longer and more reliable charge.
W-A also makes a version of their 3.5v handle that has a convertible battery and insert which allows you to use either disposable C-cell flashlight batteries or a rechargible battery that uses a two-prong plug for wall charging from household A.C.
I suggest Lombart for most small instruments, their pricing is relatively competitive for a field with grossly overpriced equipment.
