1. Automated ophthalmic equipment can be used by others in your office while manual equipment may require additional training, schooling and expertise. Most of the automated equipment on today’s market is so user friendly that a tech in your office can easily run a simple non-contact tonometry diagnostic test with an automated tonometer or get basic refractive data and astigmatism data using an automated refractor and keratometer. Always remember that your time is the most valuable and if you can free yourself from the simplest and most basic diagnostic tests you can see more patients and grow your ophthalmic practice!
   
   
2. Automated Equipment often combines multiple diagnostic instruments while many manual ophthalmic instruments can only conduct one test. You see many automated ophthalmic instruments today that combine refractors and keratometers and some tonometer and pachymeter combinations. That’s because almost every ophthalmic practice needs this equipment but why house multiple instruments when you can get one piece of equipment that conducts multiple ophthalmic diagnostic tests? The equipment will take up less room, take less time to use and will give you a solid return on your investment.
   
   
3. Automated ophthalmic equipment is faster than manual ophthalmic equipment. The ability of this equipment to align itself, conduct analysis and give results efficiently will help you optimize your simplest ocular exams and save your time for more pressing matters. You can still break out the manual equipment when you need to, but this will help you run a tighter ship!
   
   
4. Automated equipment appears more “high tech” and advanced to your patients which can lead to patient retention and referral. The way your office presents itself is important and will result in ultimate growth. You want to have a reputation for using the best ophthalmic equipment, instruments and technology.
   
   
5. Automated ophthalmic equipment can help you balance more patients with a high level of care while manual equipment may slow you down. Using a balance of automated ophthalmic equipment and manual ophthalmic equipment will probably be your best bet but for your initial exams you can’t beat the efficiency of automated equipment. It will allow you to get more patients in the door and maintain your high standards of excellent ophthalmic care.
   
   
6. Manual ophthalmic equipment can be more accurate. When it comes to specific testing for ocular disease or conditions, manual testing can ultimately be the way to go. Taking your time and looking carefully at your patient will help you make an accurate and specific diagnosis and then prescribe the appropriate course of treatment. An excellent example is contact tonometers vs. non contact tonometers. While a non contact tonometer is a great tool for the average patient, if you have a patient who is exhibiting signs of intraocular tension, you need to use a contact tonometer to truly assess the situation.
   
   
7. Manual equipment can be less expensive. Some practices absolutely must invest in some high end technology and that may eat into your capital budget. If that’s the case, buying manual ophthalmic equipment to supplement your higher end technology is a great strategy to employ.
   
   

No matter what buying decision you make, don’t hesitate to call Veatch Instruments to discuss your options and what will best fit your ophthalmic practice.

• Introduction to Automated Ophthalmic Equipment
• Automated Ophthalmic Equipment Feature Comparison
• Traditional Tonometers vs. Non Contact Tonometers