Retinoscope

Retinoscopes are ophthalmic instruments used by eye care professionals to measure the refractive error of a patient's eyes. They are commonly used by optometrists and ophthalmologists during eye examinations to determine the prescription for corrective lenses.

Retinoscopes work by projecting a beam of light into the patient's eye and observing the reflection of the light off the retina. By analyzing the movement and direction of the reflected light, the eye care professional can assess the patient's refractive error, which includes conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

These instruments are typically handheld and feature a light source, a mirror, and a lens system. The light source can be either a bulb or an LED, and the mirror is used to direct the light into the patient's eye. The lens system allows the eye care professional to adjust the focus of the light beam to accurately measure the patient's refractive error.

Retinoscopes are an essential tool in the field of ophthalmology and are often used in conjunction with other diagnostic instruments to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's eye health. They are part of the supply class Ophthalmic Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies, which falls under the larger supply group of Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies.