HELP! To buy or not to buy? (diagnostic set)

[eyedesire]

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Hi All,

We're in the process of purchasing a diagnostic set, and I have a bit of a dilemma: An optometrist I worked for generously donated his Keeler Vista diagnostic kit, will an o-scope, transilluminator, and retinoscope.

The only problem I see with the set I have is the weight, and that it uses a NiCad battery (we just started using the o-scope so I'm not sure of the ease of use compared to the new models).

My question is whether or not I should invest in a new diagnostic set or just buy a new set of batteries/charger.

Has the technology has changed that much in terms of improving the optics and lighting of the o-scope and retinoscope? (the zenon lighting and "new improved optics" as advertised)

Thanks for any input!! 🙂

(btw, Keeler Vista was the model before the Keeler Professional set)

 

[IndianaOD]

Hi All,

We're in the process of purchasing a diagnostic set, and I have a bit of a dilemma: An optometrist I worked for generously donated his Keeler Vista diagnostic kit, will an o-scope, transilluminator, and retinoscope.

The only problem I see with the set I have is the weight, and that it uses a NiCad battery (we just started using the o-scope so I'm not sure of the ease of use compared to the new models).

My question is whether or not I should invest in a new diagnostic set or just buy a new set of batteries/charger.

Has the technology has changed that much in terms of improving the optics and lighting of the o-scope and retinoscope? (the zenon lighting and "new improved optics" as advertised)

Thanks for any input!! 🙂

(btw, Keeler Vista was the model before the Keeler Professional set)

I don't think much has changed with technology. To me the most important tool is the retinoscope. It seems very few docs actually use an o-scope in practice. Compared to a 90D or BIO the things are junk IMHO.

 

[alferec]

eyedesire, the prices you get during school are unbeatable compared to when you get out, so buying the equipment new during school is pretty much a steal! So if I were you, get the new equipment. Also, well at least for SCCO, you get a steel-clad warranty while you're a student (including free replacements for any kind of damage to your equipment). Imagine if you're using old equipment that fails in the middle of a proficiency!

 

[cpw]

eyedesire, the prices you get during school are unbeatable compared to when you get out, so buying the equipment new during school is pretty much a steal! So if I were you, get the new equipment. Also, well at least for SCCO, you get a steel-clad warranty while you're a student (including free replacements for any kind of damage to your equipment). Imagine if you're using old equipment that fails in the middle of a proficiency!

yeah, the warranty in school is great. We had a student put a diagnostic set on top of their car, forget about it and drive off. The resulting crash killed everything and Keeler replaced it no questions asked. (just a few jokes at the students expense at the next meeting)

 

[Ben Chudner]

eyedesire, the prices you get during school are unbeatable compared to when you get out, so buying the equipment new during school is pretty much a steal! So if I were you, get the new equipment. Also, well at least for SCCO, you get a steel-clad warranty while you're a student (including free replacements for any kind of damage to your equipment). Imagine if you're using old equipment that fails in the middle of a proficiency!

The price savings is negligible in the whole scheme of things. If you have a diagnostic set that works, you do not need to buy another one. I still use the retinoscope I bought as a student in 1993 and the technology is just fine. My advice is to not spend the money on a new set unless the one you have is no longer working.

 

[362.04]

"... My question is whether or not I should invest in a new diagnostic set or just buy a new set of batteries/charger...

Buy the new one. It's a small price. I only use the retinoscope myself but occasionally, an ophthalmoscope and a 20D lens can act like a monocular indirect ophthalmoscope.

 

[eyedesire]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all your replies! It really helped. I talked to a few professors and optometrist friends, and they say stick with my old kit for now. This is because I will be able to find out what I really like out of a diagnostic kit after using the one that I have and the ones in the lab.
But I will buy one before I graduate if I still feel that it is necessary (yay student discount!)

It better not fail on me during an exam 😱