DigitalOptometrics (DO) has established a new partnership integrating AMETEK Reichert’s refractive technology into its tele-ophthalmic care ecosystem.
Start with DO.
The telehealth software company offers fully-integrated and scaled services to the vision market via tele-optometric and -ophthalmic technologies.
- Most notably: Its remote eye exam platform simulates an in-person visit in under 30 minutes.
The key components: On-site ophthalmic technician, artificial intelligence (AI)-based refraction, remote-operated equipment, high-definition (HD) video conferencing, and proprietary software for optometry practices and retail optical stores.
Go on …
The platform offers 10 health and vision tests conducted with the support of a remote licensed optometrist who collects and analyzes patient data.
The best part: These exams are offered across the United States (locations can be found here).
So Reichert’s refractive tech will be included in this remote eye exam process?
Indeed. The Reichert SightChek Digital Phoroptor will expand DO’s telehealth platform by offering comprehensive remote refractions from—virtually speaking—anywhere.
And if this integration partnership sounds familiar: You may be recalling DO’s strategic collaboration with Eyoto on the Aetheia, a fully remote digital slit lamp, announced earlier this year.
Alrighty, now give me the rundown on this latest integration.
It involves the SightChek Digital Phoroptor, originally offered as part of the company’s VisionChek Digital Exam Suite.
The details: This is a modernized refraction system with an intuitive layout enabling clinicians to perform refractions while seated beside (instead of behind) the patient—with the intent to improve both ergonomics and workflow efficiency.
- Notably: The technology is designed for use in optometry clinics, ophthalmology practices, and optical / refraction rooms.
And its indications?
Based on SightChek’s instructions for use, the digital phoropter is designed for subjective refraction and binocular vision assessment during comprehensive eye exams—as well as:
- Refractive error measurement for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia
- Determining spectacle and contact lens prescriptions
- Ocular deviation in patients with latent or manifest strabismus
Talk features.
Including in the phoroptor’s capabilities:
- Quick lens exchange via a central control knob to minimize patient eye fatigue
- Full range of programmed guided tests (phoria, fused cross cylinder, and binocular balance)
- Easier near-vision testing: automatic convergence, auto-illuminating near vision light source, and a detachable near vision rod and card
- Adjustable cylinder power and axis via traditional Jackson’s cross cylinder or split cross cylinder
- Customizable refraction sequences via three programs
- Cloud-based integration with other Reichert pre-test instruments
- Integration with electronic medical record (EMR) / electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Remote refraction and tele-optometry
Check out its specifications—and a downloadable product brochure.
And is the device cleared by the FDA?
Basic digital phoropters are typically classified by the FDA as Class I medical devices.
While they’re also often exempt from the 510(k) premarket notification process, the FDA does require them to be registered devices.
- In the case of SightChek: The phoroptor is registered with the FDA as a medical device and is listed as “in commercial distribution."
Nice! Lastly, where can I get more info on this integration and DO’s telehealth platform?
Contact the company directly for any questions about adding SightChek to a DO-affiliated clinic—or about becoming a DO-affiliated clinic.