Vending Machine Optometrists

[Mulberry Molar]

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Couldn't we just replace an optometrist with a vending machine? I mean the slides would flash before your eyes, there would be an ear phone and you could press 1 or 2 on a joystick? And at the end, we could get our prescriptions printed out?

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Couldn't we just replace an optometrist with a vending machine? I mean the slides would flash before your eyes, there would be an ear phone and you could press 1 or 2 on a joystick? And at the end, we could get our prescriptions printed out?

Sigh.

Nice to see there are aussie trolls out there as well.

 

[rpames]

The prescription is more complicated than that, but if that is all ODs did, then yes, a machine could do the spectacle rx part.

 

[prettygreeneyes]

Couldn't we just replace an optometrist with a vending machine? I mean the slides would flash before your eyes, there would be an ear phone and you could press 1 or 2 on a joystick? And at the end, we could get our prescriptions printed out?

😕 On an pro-optometry forum... what kind of answer were you hoping for exactly? I'm really hoping there was an undetected note of sarcasm that I just didn't pick up on!

 

[POJO]

Couldn't we just replace an optometrist with a vending machine? I mean the slides would flash before your eyes, there would be an ear phone and you could press 1 or 2 on a joystick? And at the end, we could get our prescriptions printed out?

In Asia, the process of refraction and edging of lenses is already pretty automated. A person can sit in front of an auto refractor and the results immediately sent to a robot which selects the appropriate blank and have it ready for insertion into a frame.

Of course, if you're asking this question for the sake of an arguement then I believe your efforts are apparent.

 

[xmattODx]

In Asia, the process of refraction and edging of lenses is already pretty automated. A person can sit in front of an auto refractor and the results immediately sent to a robot which selects the appropriate blank and have it ready for insertion into a frame.

Of course, if you're asking this question for the sake of an arguement then I believe your efforts are apparent.

In Asia there is also an epidemic of myopic progression. Could this play a role?

 

[sco1styear]

Can't you just imagine how screwed up all of our visual systems would be if we went with what the autorefractor said?!!?

 

[stevec]

I've heard about the inaccuracies of auto-refraction, but I wish I knew more about it. I've had two classes where auto-refraction was skipped for the sake of time, so it makes me wonder if I'll ever learn anything about how those things work.

 

[ML1983]

Can't wait till the vending machines start getting sued 😉

 

[in_translation]

Couldn't we just replace an optometrist with a vending machine? I mean the slides would flash before your eyes, there would be an ear phone and you could press 1 or 2 on a joystick? And at the end, we could get our prescriptions printed out?

What's next... another discussion about the LASIK at Home kit? 😛

 

[catzeye523]

What's next... another discussion about the LASIK at Home kit? 😛

"do NOT blink!"

 

[Ben Chudner]

There is a new machine by Topcon (I think) that actually allows the patient to perfrom a self refraction. The machine gives a series of choices and the patient chooses the better choice by clicking on one of two buttons. I sat through the refraction and was not very impressed, but the technology will get better.

 

[rpie]

In Asia, the process of refraction and edging of lenses is already pretty automated. A person can sit in front of an auto refractor and the results immediately sent to a robot which selects the appropriate blank and have it ready for insertion into a frame.

Of course, if you're asking this question for the sake of an arguement then I believe your efforts are apparent.

In Japan, since the late 1940’s most people go to refracting Opticians or an optical with auto refractors. I have my doubts that a person will get a useable Srx with the automated system, but what’s interesting is that this has resulted in a great number of undiagnosed ocular disease especially glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Apparently the ministry of health is now under fire because of this.

 

[aarlan]

In Japan, since the late 1940’s most people go to refracting Opticians or an optical with auto refractors. I have my doubts that a person will get a useable Srx with the automated system, but what’s interesting is that this has resulted in a great number of undiagnosed ocular disease especially glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Apparently the ministry of health is now under fire because of this.

Do you have any articles or info on this subject? Just academic curiosity.

AA

 

[xmattODx]

Do you have any articles or info on this subject? Just academic curiosity.

AA

I second this request!

 

[rpie]

I second this request!

I believe I read it in either an AARP news or to you health magazine at my dentist’s office….. I needed a root canal …… I have to go back in 3 weeks so I’ll try to find the exact article.

 

[louisvilleslugr]

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3921/is_200404/ai_n9374203

 

[cpw]

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3921/is_200404/ai_n9374203

This article doesn't talk about the missed ocular disease, though. This machine is being used in the "ideal" setting where a private practioner is overseeing everything and using the data to streamline his/her practice... while still performing ocular health assessments.

 

[Turosk]

A lot of practitioners i talk to think that optometry might be a "shooting star" profession. we are burning bright, but sure to burn out sometime soon....

Auto-refractors are getting better and better, and one day in the very near future i think it might just replace manual refraction altogether...

I mean, there is always issues such as BV, symptom releif glasses, etc... but optoms might have to go into other areas.

I dont think optoms will die out but they probably wont be employed by commercial chains anymore... its a brave new world...

 

[emtcsmith]

You still have to have someone that knows how the machine works, and all that background stuff. Any Jo Citizen can slap on an Auto B/P cuff but it takes some education to realize half the time they are plain wrong.

 

[66Lenses]

Exactly right emtcsmith.
If any old Joe could operate the machinery without any knowledge, then we wouldn't waste half our lives learning how to do it 😉