Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for producing a &dgr;-lactone of the formula: 1

Abstract: The invention is a low cost, low input power eye viewing device well suited for viewing wide field retinal images through an undilated pupil. Included in the device are a converging light illumination system and an aperture stop. The converging light illumination system provides ease of entry of light rays into an eye, wide field retinal illumination, reduced glare and reduced power consumption. The aperture stop blocks unwanted received glare light not forming part of the retinal image. The device is made especially well suited for retinal viewing through an undilated pupil if the aperture is sized in accordance with the diameter of an undilated pupil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for producing a &dgr;-lactone of the formula: using an acyl halide of the formula: wherein R1, R2 R3 and X are described herein, as well as novel intermediates. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for enantioselectively producing the (R)-&dgr;-lactone.

Abstract: The invention is a hand-held eye viewing device adapted to be readily positioned in an operative radial displacement, angular orientation and axial standoff position relative to an eye. The eye viewing device includes an eye cup extending from a patient end of the device having a patient end adapted to be received at a patient's eye orbit. An outer diameter of a patient end of the eye cup is sized to correspond to a patient eye orbit such that a viewing axis is substantially centered on patient's pupil when the eye cup is received at an eye orbit. The eye cup is preferably made deformable so that patient comfort is improved and further so that contact of the eye cup with an eye orbit alerts a physician that the device is approaching an operative axial standoff position.

Abstract: The invention is a low cost, low input power eye viewing device well suited for viewing wide field retinal images through an undilated pupil. Included in the device are a converging light illumination system and an aperture stop. The converging light illumination system provides ease of entry of light rays into an eye, wide field retinal illumination, reduced glare and reduced power consumption. The aperture stop blocks unwanted received glare light not forming part of the retinal image. The device is made especially well suited for retinal viewing through an undilated pupil if the aperture is sized in accordance with the diameter of an undilated pupil.

Abstract: The invention is an eye viewing device having a module holder formed at an observer end thereof. Replaceably received in the holder is a viewing module. The viewing module may comprise eyepiece optics, image signal generating elements, or combined eyepiece and image signal generating elements.

Abstract: The invention is a low cost, low input power eye viewing device well suited for viewing wide field retinal images through an undilated pupil. Included in the device are a converging light illumination system and an aperture stop. The converging light illumination system provides ease of entry of light rays into an eye, wide field retinal illumination, reduced glare and reduced power consumption. The aperture stop blocks unwanted received glare light not forming part of the retinal image. The device is made especially well suited for retinal viewing through an undilated pupil if the aperture is sized in accordance with the diameter of an undilated pupil.

Abstract: The invention is a low cost, low input power eye viewing device well suited for viewing wide field retinal images through an undilated pupil. Included in the device are a converging light illumination system and an aperture stop. The converging light illumination system provides ease of entry of light rays into an eye, wide field retinal illumination, reduced glare and reduced power consumption. The aperture stop blocks unwanted received glare light not forming part of the retinal image. The device is made especially well suited for retinal viewing through an undilated pupil if the aperture is sized in accordance with the diameter of an undilated pupil.

Abstract: A focusing mechanism for an optical instrument includes an eyepiece having at least one lens element retained within an eyepiece housing, a stationary carrier for retaining the eyepiece, and a rotatable thumb wheel. A pair of levers operatively connect the eyepiece housing with the rotatable thumb wheel, the thumb wheel including corresponding pairs of cam channels on either side for receiving one end of a corresponding lever, the remaining end of each lever engaging the eyepiece housing, wherein rotational movement of the thumb wheel produces axial movement of the eyepiece relative to said carrier.

Abstract: The invention is an ophthalmoscope having an imaging path and imaging axis which includes a light source disposed in the imaging path at or in proximity with the imaging axis. Disposing the light source directly in the imaging path at or in proximity with the imaging axis provides numerous illumination and other operational advantages. When the light source is of sufficiently small size and is disposed in a sufficiently defocused position in relation to any retinal focal plane of the ophthalmoscope, the light source, for practical purposes, cannot be perceived by a user.