Portable Auto-Refractometer
Project description
The “Daphne Pocket Autorefractor” is an extremely compact, easy-to-use diagnostic tool for the quick, objective measurement of defective vision in the human eye. Helbling developed the entire system most notably the design, implementation of the optical measurement system, the embedded electronics and software and even the tool’s outward appearance.
Conventional auto refractometers are costly tabletop devices requiring intense training to ensure their proper use. This realization prompted Daphne LLC to launch an affordable, easy-to-use auto refractometer that is portable and achieves the same good results as tabletop units. The device was designed to be used not only by ophthalmologists and optometrists but also by less qualified individuals, for instance in developing countries, or as part of a screening process. Daphne LLC’s decision to collaborate with Helbling was based on Helbling’s’s expertise in the development of medical products and the use of a suitable project and quality management system. Other decisive factors were Helbling’s specific areas of expertise such as optics, optical measuring technology, signal processing, embedded electronics and software as well as electromagnetic actuators (microengineering). This know-how complemented by Helbling’s experience in the area of portable devices for medical applications like drug delivery.
Key data and technical details
- Measurement of spherical (S) and astigmatic (C, A) aberrations of the human eye from -12 to +6 diopters at a resolution of 0.25 diopters
- 80 % of the required corrections determined by the tool fall within a 0.5-diopter range of the subjective refraction
- No patient feedback required for diagnosis
- Handheld device with automatic eye-tracking function to correct misalignments
- Low price (< USD 500 each)
