Second year instruments in Optometry school

[Shnurek]

I just started second year and we are required to purchase a Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope headset and 20D, 78D and 90D lenses to go with it. Along with scleral depressor and a teaching mirror among other minuscule things.

Can any senior Doctors please comment about if it would be better to buy cheap equipment now and then upgrade when newer stuff comes out after I graduate or just buy near the top of the line new stuff when the representatives come by to our school? I am thinking of just buying used instruments because the direct ophthalmoscope for example is barely used in real world practice and I should have bought a used one rather than a new one.

Thank you for any advice and if anyone is selling used equipment please private message me 🙂

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[Jibslider]

Do you have any plans to cold start a practice?

 

[Shnurek]

Do you have any plans to cold start a practice?

Not immediately after graduation. Maybe a couple or several years in.

I have ideas of doing a residency in a wide scope of practice state, working with ophthalmology or even joining the military after graduation. Plus I have to build up some capital and I'd rather partner in than cold start so my chances of cold starting anytime during 5 years after graduation are unfortunately quite low.

 

[NYCBlues]

Buy used equipment to save you money, if you could get a good deal on it. Just make sure they're in good working condition, though. The equipment will be provided at your workplace unless you plan on having your own practice later on.

I would sell you my used equipment, but i paid too much for them to sell you at a discounted price.

 

[optsuker]

It's not like you have to decide between a Ferrari and a Ford Focus, they're all decent.

You get a great group rate with your class and buying new means it has a warranty (and it's more likely to break during school, where it gets hauled around compared to after where it just sits in one place).

See what the class ahead of you got, compare the favorite 2-3 models for personal comfort in your hand and access to the controls.

There are a lot of docs who are still using their 1st BIO after 10 years in practice, so get one you like.

My personal preference is the Keeler All-Pupil or Vantage Plus, Slimline

 

[Shnurek]

Slimline is not cordless right?

 

[optsuker]

Slimline is not cordless right?

Then I may have it wrong.

I prefer the cordless version.

 

[Shnurek]

Then I may have it wrong.

I prefer the cordless version.

O wait it is wireless. Just the whole "slimline" term got me confused. I thought the power cable was slim or something 🙄

 

[Colonel Mitchel]

I have a Keeler spec mount with the led bulb. I really like the bulb, but I'm on the fence as to whether I prefer head or spec mount. The spec is more portable and comes with a smaller case (very nice for mission trips and storage) and you can just wear it around your neck as opposed to always removing the head set. However, it is not cordless. Also, NBEO currently requires use of a headmount and corded bio during Part III (it actually has TWO cords, one for the bio, one for the camera).
All that being said, my practice has several offices with many exam lanes (each with its own company provided bio) and I just use whichever bio is in the lane I'm in.