NEUROCHROMATIC REFRACTOR

Abstract

An apparatus for use in determining a neurochromatic lens prescription. The apparatus includes an opening operable for use in a patient observing a visual target and a trial lens slot operable for use in inserting a trial lens into the patient's line of sight and the opening. The apparatus further includes a channel operable for sliding the trial lens into a centered position within the opening and a trial lens retainer operable for holding one or more trial lenses resulting in visual function improvement. The channel is coupled to the trial lens slot and the channel is operable for sliding the trial lens horizontally into the opening. The trial lens retainer is operable to retain the one or more trial lenses within the patient's line of sight.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to the copending provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/470,417, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.A, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHROMATIC VISION ENHANCEMENT,” with filing date Mar. 31, 2011, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to copending non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/368,149, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US1, entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC PRESCRIPTION DETERMINATION,” with filing date Feb. 7, 2012, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to copending non-provisional patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US2, entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC TRIAL LENS KIT,” with filing date ______, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to copending non-provisional patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US4, entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC PRESCRIPTION DETERMINATION,” with filing date ______, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to equipment and devices related to vision enhancement, e.g., with the application of specialized and custom lenses for the eyes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vision is one of the most important senses. People are in particular visual creatures, often favoring visual perception over other senses. Further, humans constantly use their eyes in almost every task whether it be for reading, walking, or driving. This reliance on the visual system as the primary sense for interacting with the world makes the human eye incredibly important and thereby meaning any deficiency in visual performance can have a large negative impact.

The eye and the visual processing system are quite complex and as such can be negatively impacted by a variety of conditions, syndromes, and complications. Such problems can result in photophobia, reduced field of vision, clarity of vision, and other visual compromises. While ophthalmic prescriptions are somewhat effective in reducing the negative effects of near-sightedness and far-sightedness, ophthalmic prescriptions and lenses are not able to solve or reduce a variety of conditions, syndromes, and complications. For example, ophthalmic lenses have limited effect on photophobia or reduced field of vision. Regular eye glasses mostly correct for image clarity and focus but do little to correct for other visual performance and acuity issues.

Thus, a need exists for solutions to alleviate visual system problems that are not solved or fully solved with current ophthalmic prescriptions and lenses. Equipment and devices are needed to help determine proper lens prescriptions for such solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus to facilitate selection of trial lenses and determination of a neurochromatic prescription for a patient. Embodiments of the present invention allow a physician to observe a patient's eyes during the prescription process and thereby observe vision function, e.g., among other things, expansion of visual field and calming of the letters, words, and enhanced neural visual processing, retention, and reduction of reaction time, etc. Embodiments of the present invention provide for centering of multiple trial lenses within a patient's line of sight for the left and the right eye during the prescription process.

More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are operable for use in improving a variety of various visual performance and visual function characteristics including improved visual acuity (e.g., more clear and enhanced visual perception of distant objects), improved visual field, enhanced visual saccade (e.g., eye movement across a page), increased contrast sensitivity, and increased recognition of color hues. Embodiments of the present invention are further operable for use in improving visual performance and visual function characteristics including increased eye coordination, increased pupil stabilization (e.g., stabilization of pupil shape to round), improved visual invoked response time (e.g., vision to action time), and improved blood flow in the brain which results in enhancement to cognitive response to visual cues. Embodiments of the present invention may make use of Neurochromatic© lens or trial lens available from NeuChroma Vision, Incorporated of Redding, Calif.

In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as an apparatus for determining a neurochromatic lens prescription addressing the visual issues mentioned above for the eye. The apparatus includes an opening operable for alignment with a line of sight of a patient observing a visual target and a trial lens slot operable for use in receiving a trial lens into the line of sight and the opening. The opening may be rectangular in shape and operable for accommodating viewing of the visual target through the opening with both eyes of the patient. The apparatus further includes a channel operable for allowing sliding of the trial lens into a centered position within the opening and a trial lens retainer operable for holding one or more trial lenses comprising a prescription for visual function improvement. The channel is coupled to the trial lens slot and the channel is operable for allowing sliding of the trial lens horizontally into the opening. The opening and the channel may have metric dimensions. The channel may include a first slide stop and a second slide stop adjacent to each respective end of the channel.

Thus, when a first trial lens and a second trial lens are in the channel and a first trial lens is in contact with the first slide stop, the second trial lens in contact with the first trial lens is centered in the opening. The trial lens retainer is operable to retain the one or more trial lenses within the line of sight. The apparatus may further include a phoropter bar opening operable for coupling a phoropter bar to the trial lens slot (e.g., above the trial lens slot). The phoropter bar may be operable for coupling a camera (e.g., with infrared functionality), corrective lenses (e.g., ophthalmic lenses), and the visual target. The apparatus may further include a headrest for positioning the patient's head. The headrest is coupled to the trial lens slot.

In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a refraction device for selecting one or more color neurochromatic lenses for a prescription. The device includes a trial lens channel for allowing sliding of a trial lens into a centered position within line of sight of a patient and a trial lens retainer operable for holding one or more trial lenses within the line of sight. The trial lens channel is operable for allowing sliding of the trial lens horizontally into the line of sight. The device further includes a locking mechanism operable to clamp the one or more trial lenses into place and a base portion operable for providing support to the trial lens channel. The locking mechanism is coupled to the trial lens retainer. The base portion is operable for height adjustment of the trial lens channel. The device may further include an opening operable for alignment with the line of sight of the patient observing a visual target. The opening may be rectangular in shape and operable for accommodating viewing of the visual target through the opening with both eyes of the patient. The device may further comprise a phoropter bar opening operable for coupling a phoropter bar to the trial lens channel. The phoropter bar may be operable for coupling of a camera and corrective lenses.

In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a device for use in determining a chromatic prescription. The device includes a channel for allowing sliding of a trial lens into a centered position within a line of sight of a patient and a trial lens retainer operable for holding one or more trial lenses within the line of sight. The channel is operable for allowing sliding of the trial lens horizontally into the line of sight. The device further comprises a phoropter bar operable for coupling of a camera. The camera is operable for recording a response of the eyes of the patient looking through the trial lens. In one embodiment, the phoropter bar is operable for coupling corrective lenses within the patient's line of sight. The phoropter bar may further be operable for coupling a target (e.g., eye chart). The device may further include a locking mechanism coupled to the trial lens retainer. The locking mechanism is operable to lock the one or more trial lenses into place. The device may further include a base portion operable for providing support to the channel. The base may be operable for height adjustment of the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a side view of an exemplary refraction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a frontal orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a top orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an exemplary refraction device operable for chromatic lens selection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a frontal view of an exemplary refraction device operable for chromatic lens selection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a back view of an exemplary refraction device operable for chromatic lens selection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a back view of an exemplary refraction device, operable for chromatic lens selection, coupled with a phoropter bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A shows a top orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction device with exemplary dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B shows a back orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction device with exemplary dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C shows a side orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction device with exemplary dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary chin rest operable for coupling with an exemplary refraction device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of an exemplary refraction device with a trial frame and trial frame mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of an exemplary refraction device with an exemplary trial frame and an exemplary trial frame mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of an exemplary refraction device with an exemplary trial frame and another exemplary trial frame mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

Exemplary Neurochromatic Refractor

Embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus to facilitate selection of trial lenses and determination of a neurochromatic prescription for a patient. Embodiments of the present invention allow a physician to observe a patient's eyes during the prescription process and thereby observe, among other things, expansion of visual field and calming of the letters, words, and enhanced neural visual processing, retention, and reduction of reaction time. Embodiments of the present invention provide for centering of trial lenses within a patient's line of sight during the prescription process.

Embodiments of the present invention are operable for use in improving a variety of various visual performance and visual function characteristics including improved visual acuity (e.g., more clear and enhanced visual perception of distant objects), improved visual field, enhanced visual saccade (e.g., eye movement across a page), increased contrast sensitivity, and increased recognition of color hues. Embodiments of the present invention are further operable for use in improving visual performance and visual function characteristics including increased eye coordination, increased pupil stabilization (e.g., stabilization of pupil shape to round), improved visual invoked response time (e.g., vision to action time), and improved blood flow in the brain which results in enhancement to cognitive response to visual cues. Embodiments of the present invention are operable for use in performing neurochromatic diagnostic and treatment inquiry, therapeutics, and components of an eye examination. Embodiments of the present invention may make use of Neurochromatic© lens or trial lens available from NeuChroma Vision, Incorporated of Redding, California.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a side view of an exemplary refraction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows exemplary refraction apparatus 100 from the side. Exemplary refraction apparatus 100 includes base 102, lower portion or adjustable height support 104, upper portion 108, and phoropter bar 138. In one embodiment, exemplary refraction apparatus 100 has metric dimensions and is operable for use with metric sized trial lenses.

In one embodiment, exemplary refraction apparatus 100 can be used with a trial lens kit as described in related copending non-provisional patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US2, entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC TRIAL LENS KIT,” with filing date ______, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one exemplary embodiment, exemplary refraction apparatus 100 is operable for use in determining a chromatic or neurochromatic prescription as described in related copending non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/368,149, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US1, entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC PRESCRIPTION DETERMINATION,” with filing date Feb. 7, 2012, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Base 102 provides support and stability for other portions of exemplary refraction apparatus 100. Base 102 may be weighted to provide stability to exemplary refraction apparatus 100. Base 102 may be further operable to provide a sturdy protective base frame for protecting other parts of refraction apparatus 100 (e.g., upper portion 108) during transport. In one embodiment, base 102 comprises metal (e.g., steel) and may be coated with a black crinkle finish to prevent light from being reflected by base 102 and provide friction between a surface (e.g., table) and exemplary refraction apparatus 100. In one exemplary embodiment, base 102 comprises granite (e.g., black granite). It is appreciated that any coating that reflects little or no light may be use used on base 102. In one embodiment, base 102 may be 700 mm in length with a height and width of 20 mm.

Base 102 is coupled to adjustable height support 104 which provides a vertical mounting portion for upper portion 108 to rest on. Adjustable height support 104 includes height adjustment lock 106 which allows a user or physician to adjust the height of exemplary refraction apparatus 100 for a patient. Height adjustment lock 106 allows the height to be variable and adjusted and/or locked in for each patient. In one embodiment, height adjustment lock 106 is locked with downward force thereby allowing the height to be locked in without exemplary refraction apparatus 100 shifting. For example, a physician using height adjustment lock 106 will be pushing toward the surface that exemplary refraction apparatus 100 is resting upon (e.g., a table). The locking of height adjustment lock 106 may involve a small motion with a relatively eccentric cam.

In one embodiment, upper portion 108 is coupled to adjustable height support 104 and is coupled to phoropter bar 138. Upper portion 108 may be made of injected molded plastic. Phoropter bar 138 may be a reading rod, square rod, or near point rod. Upper portion 108 may further include a headrest (not shown) operable to comfortably rest against a patient's head (e.g., a spring loaded headrest) during the prescription process.

Upper portion 108 comprises trial lens slot 118, lens bracket 112, trial lens retainer 114, and lens release lever 110. Trial lens slot 118 allows one or more trial lenses to be presented (e.g., moved or slid back and forth) in front of patient's eye 150 as patient observes target 160. In one embodiment, trial lens slot 118 comprises a channel which allows uniform movement of one or more trial lenses thereby allowing trial lenses to be presented to a patient in quick succession for comparison. For example, a physician may slide one trial lens into trial lens slot 120 for a patient to observe target 160 and slide another trial lens into the patient's line of sight via trial lens slot 120 which pushes the first trial lens out of the patient's line of sight.

After an improvement in visual function has been determined with respect to a trial lens (e.g. trial lens 118), the trial lens may be added to selected trial lenses 116 thereby allowing subsequent trial lenses to be tested for visual function improvement in trial lens slot 120. A physician may use lens release lever 110 to release selected trial lenses 116 from trial lens retainer 114 thereby allowing a physician to insert the newly selected trial lens (e.g., trial lens 118) into the plurality of lenses of selected trial lenses 116. As described in related copending non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/368,149, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US1, entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC PRESCRIPTION DETERMINATION,” with filing date Feb. 7, 2012, a newly selected trial lens may be inserted into a group of trial lenses such that the newly selected trial lens is closest to the patient (e.g., in the front of selected trial lenses 116). After insertion of the newly selected trial lens in selected trial lenses 116, the physician may then secure selected trial lenses 116 with lens release lever 110 and continue the process to determine a neurochromatic prescription.

In one embodiment, upper portion 108 further comprises a rod lock 132 which allows phoropter bar 138 to be removably coupled to upper portion 108. Embodiments of the present invention may support phoropter bars of various lengths thereby allowing coupling of different devices. In one embodiment, target 160 may be coupled or held up by phoropter bar 138. Phoropter bar 138 may be substantially similar to a phoropter bar used during ophthalmic examinations. In one exemplary embodiment, phoropter bar 138 may be ½ inch by ½ inch or 12 mm square. Target 160 may be an eye chart (e.g., subject plate, logMAR chart, Snellen chart, Landolt C, and the Lea test) or any other apparatus for use in determining visual acuity or function.

In one embodiment, phoropter bar 138 is operable for optional coupling of trial frame bracket 126. Rod lock 130 allows the locking of trial frame bracket 126 onto phoropter bar. Trial frame bracket 126 is coupled to a trial frame 128 which comprises, among other things, corrective lenses to be coupled to upper portion 108 of exemplary refraction apparatus 100. Patient's eye 150 looks through corrective lens (e.g., ophthalmic prescription lenses) of trial frame 128, if present, and then through an opening in upper portion 108 which allows the patient to see target 160 through trial lens 118 and selected trial lenses 116. The corrective lenses of trial frame 128 facilitate an accurate neurochromatic prescription to be determined by correcting ophthalmic conditions during the prescription process. Embodiments of the present invention are operable to allow coupling of an off the shelf trial frame 128. It is appreciated that a neurochromatic prescription may be inaccurate if the ophthalmic prescription is in error.

Phoropter bar 138 is further operable for coupling of camera 140. In one embodiment, rod lock 134 locks camera 140 into place (e.g., during a neurochromatic prescription process). Tilt lock 136 allows camera 140 to be tilted such that the camera 140 may be used to observe patient's eye 150 during the neurochromatic prescription process. Tilt lock 136 and rod lock 134 may be used in combination to precisely position camera 140 for the neurochromatic prescription process. In one exemplary embodiment, camera 140 may be an infrared camera.

In one embodiment, camera 140 may be used to record the neurochromatic prescription process. The camera allows a physician to observe and record pupillary responses and thereby determine the most proper trial lens or lenses (e.g., neurochromatic lenses). The camera allows recording of the prescription process in accordance with external examination determinations subsequent to approval of specific neurochromatic CPT (Common Physician Terminology) and ICD (International Code of Diagnostic) codes.

Camera 140 allows monitoring of the pupillary response and determining whether the pupil shape has responded to a trial lens. The camera thereby allows assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for pupillary conditions. For example, the camera allows watching for a normalized pupillary response which occurs with stabilized and enhanced vision. The camera further allows monitoring of pupil movement to determine which trial lenses are more effective, which show poor pupil movement, and which show good pupil movement. It is appreciated that monitoring the patient's pupillary response provides a cross check to determine whether the patient's response is objective or subjective. In one exemplary embodiment, camera 140 is used to record a time tagged movie of the patient's responses to the trial lens which may be stored on a computer.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a frontal orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows exemplary refraction apparatus 100 from the front (e.g., the side which a patient will look through during a neurochromatic prescription process). From the frontal view of exemplary refraction apparatus 100, exemplary refraction apparatus 100 includes base 102, adjustable height support 104, height adjustment lock 106, rod lock 132, phoropter rod 138, and camera 140. Exemplary refraction apparatus 100 further includes trial lens channel 122, slide stops 170a-b, phoropter opening 172, and trial lens frame 174.

Trial lens channel 122 allows movement of trial lenses into a patient's line of sight during the neurochromatic prescription process. Trial lens channel 122 allows one or more trial lenses to be moved back and forth from left to right and right to left (e.g., in a horizontal plane that intersects and is perpendicular to the patient's line of sight). The portions or walls of channel 122 may be rigid thereby allowing a portion of trial lens 122 to be held stiffly and slide without wobbling. In one embodiment, at each end of trial lens channel 122 is slide stop 170a and slide stop 170b. Slides stops 170a-b may allow positioning of trial lenses such that one trial lens is centered while another trial lens is adjacent to a slide stop. In other words, slide stops 170a-b allow centering (e.g., automatically) of a trial lens from either side. For example, centered trial lens 171 may have been pushed or slid to be centered within trial lens channel 122 while at the same time pushing trial lens 173 into contact with slide stop 170a. A physician may then push trial lens 173 to the depicted location of centered trial lens 171 which pushes centered trial lens 171 into contact with slide stop 170b.

Trial lens channel 122 thus allows a physician to evaluate a patient with respect to one or more trial lenses within a short period of time (e.g., in quick succession). For example, the physician may slide a first trial lens into the patient's line of sight and determine whether the trial lens (e.g., centered trial lens 171) results in an improvement (e.g., by asking the patient and observing the patient's eyes via camera 140) and then promptly slide a second trial lens (e.g., trial lens 173) into the patient's line of sight.

Trial lens frame 174 is operable to assist a physician in centering of a trial lens (e.g., centered trial lens 171) and provides structural support for mounting of phoropter bar via phoropter opening 172. Trial lens frame 174 further provides an opening for the patient to view target 160 and for a physician to observe a patient's eyes via camera 140. Phoropter opening 172 allows a phoropter bar (e.g., phoropter bar 138) to be coupled or mounted to exemplary refraction apparatus 100. In exemplary embodiment, phoropter opening 172 can accept a 10 mm to 15 mm square near point rod. Phoropter opening 172 may allow a phoropter bar to extend beyond the front of phoropter opening 172 and thereby allow coupling of another device (e.g., trial frame bracket 126).

FIG. 2 further shows a frontal view of trial bracket 126 and trial frame 128. Trial frame bracket 126 includes phoropter bar opening 127 and rod lock 130. Trial frame bracket 126 is coupled to trial frame 128. Trial frame 128 includes corrective lenses 129 which may be ophthalmic prescription lenses or other corrective lenses. Phoropter bar opening 127 allows trial frame bracket 126 to be mounted on a phoropter bar (e.g., phoropter bar 138) thereby allowing placement of corrective lenses 129 into a patient's line of sight (e.g., to see target 160). Rod lock 130 allows trial frame bracket 126 to be attached and locked to a phoropter bar (e.g., phoropter bar 138).

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a top orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows exemplary refraction apparatus 100 from the top. From the top view of exemplary refraction apparatus 100, exemplary refraction apparatus 100 includes base 102, trial lens retainer 114, trial lens channel 122, trial frame bracket 126, trial frame 128, phoropter bar 138, and camera 140. Exemplary refraction apparatus 100 further includes selected trial lens rack 180 and opening for adjustable height rod 182.

Trial lens rack 180 holds or provides a place for placement of selected trial lenses (e.g., selected trial lenses 116) during the prescription process (e.g., after a trial lens has been determined to result an improvement in visual function). Trial lens rack 180 facilitates selected trial lenses being held in place within the patient's line of sight.

Opening for adjustable height rod 182 provides a space for insertion of a height adjustable rod (e.g., of upper portion 108) within an adjustable height support (e.g., adjustable height support 104). In one embodiment, opening for adjustable height rod 182 is a female threaded drill hole.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an exemplary refraction device operable for chromatic lens selection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary refraction device 400 may be mounted on a table top, phoropter, or moveable arm. It is appreciated that when exemplary refraction device 400 is mounted on a phoropter or moveable arm, a base (e.g., base 102) may not be needed. Exemplary refraction device 400 includes lens release lever 410, trial lens retainer 414, trial lens slot 420, selected trial lens rack 480, refraction device mount 494, bracket mount 490, and mounting bracket 492. FIG. 4 depicts the relative location of a patient's eye 450 during use of exemplary refraction device 400 during determination of a neurochromatic prescription.

Trial lens retainer 414 is operable to retain one or more trial lenses that have been selected during a prescription determination process (e.g., trial lenses that have resulted in improvement in visual function). Trial lens retainer 414 is operable to hold one or more trial lenses placed on top of selected trial lens rack 480. In one exemplary embodiment, trial lens rack 480 is operable to hold six trial lenses. In one embodiment, trial lens retainer 414 is spring loaded to provide sufficient pressure to hold selected trial lens (e.g., selected trial lenses 116). It is appreciated that trial lens retainer 414 can operate with a newly selected trial lens being inserted in a position closest to a patient's eyes or farthest from a patient's eyes.

Trial lens retainer 414 is coupled to lens release lever 410. Trial lens release 410 may be operable to lock and unlock the position of trial lens retainer 414 thereby allowing a trial lens to be added or removed from the selected trial lenses. Trial lens release 410 may be spring loaded. In one embodiment, trial lens release 410 is operable to act as a dual directional operating mechanism. For example, trial lens release 410 may have a concave finger grips (e.g., two grips) for both a downward vertical pressure to open the lens retainer and a horizontal pressures to open or move the trial lens retainer 410.

Refraction device mount 494 is operable to allow mounting of exemplary refraction device 400 on to a variety of surfaces including, an adjustable height mount (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), a table, or any other suitable surface suitable for use in determination of an optical prescription.

Trial lens slot 420 is operable to allow a trial lens be to inserted or removed from the line of sight of patient's eye 450. Bracket mount 490 is operable for coupling of mounting bracket 492 to exemplary refraction device 400. Bracket mount 490 and mounting bracket 492 are operable to allow attachment of exemplary refraction device 400 for use (e.g., in a fixed position) during the prescription process. Mounting bracket 492 may facilitate a plurality of adjustments to help provide positioning and cushioning of a patient's head during an eye examination.

FIG. 5 shows a frontal view of an exemplary refraction device operable for chromatic lens selection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary refraction device 400 from the front (e.g., the side which a patient will look through during a neurochromatic prescription process). From the frontal view of exemplary refraction device 400, exemplary refraction device 400 includes lens release lever 410, trial lens retainer 414, trial lens slot 420, selected trial lens rack 480, bracket mount 490, and mounting bracket 492, refraction device mount 494. Exemplary refraction device 400 further includes trial lens channel 422, trial lens stops 470a-b, phoropter opening 472, mounting clamps 498, and opening 496.

Opening 496 allows a patient to look through a trial lens placed into the line of sight of a patient's eye (e.g., patient's eye 450 or 150). In one embodiment, opening 496 is 80 mm wide. Trial lens channel 422 and trial lens slot 420 allow one or more trial lenses to be slid into opening 496 for viewing by a patient. In one exemplary embodiment, trial lens channel 422 comprises pins or other mechanisms to provide resistance when a trial lens is centered in trial lens channel 422 and opening 496. It is appreciated that opening 496 provides an unrestricted field of vision (e.g., for both eyes). Opening 496 may thus advantageously allow more light through than traditional optics devices which have two separate circular holes (e.g., one for each eye). In one embodiment, trial lens channel 422 has trial lens stops 470a-b at each end which allow trial lenses to be slid within channel and stopped (e.g., automatically) in a centered position.

Phoropter opening 472 is operable for attachment of a phoropter bar and thereby attachment of a plurality of devices including a camera (e.g., camera 140) and corrective lenses (e.g., trial frame bracket 126 and corrective lenses 129). In one embodiment, phoropter opening 472 is formed between bracket mount 490 and mounting bracket 492. In one embodiment, mounting clamps 498 are coupled to mounting bracket 492 and allow mounting bracket 492 to be used to mount exemplary refraction device 400 on a variety of devices (e.g., chin rest 900) with a portion of the device passing vertically in the space between mounting bracket 492 and mounting clamps 498.

FIG. 6 shows a back view of an exemplary refraction device operable for chromatic lens selection in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows exemplary refraction device 400 from the back (e.g., the side where a target, camera, and the physician may observe the patient during a neurochromatic prescription process). From the back view of exemplary refraction device 400, exemplary refraction device 400 includes lens release lever 410, trial lens retainer 414, trial lens slot 420, trial lens channel 422, trial lens stops 470a-b, phoropter opening 472, selected trial lens rack 480, bracket mount 490, and mounting bracket 492, mounting clips 498, and opening 496.

FIG. 7 shows a back view of an exemplary refraction device, operable for chromatic lens selection, coupled with a phoropter bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. From the back view of exemplary refraction device 400, exemplary refraction device 400 includes lens release lever 410, trial lens retainer 414, trial lens slot 420, trial lens channel 422, trial lens stops 470a-b, phoropter opening 472, selected trial lens rack 480, bracket mount 490, mounting bracket 492, mounting clamps 498, and opening 496. FIG. 7 depicts portion exemplary refraction device 400 coupled with phoropter bar 438 and trial lens 470 in trial lens channel 422.

Phoropter bar 438 may be coupled to portion of exemplary refraction device 400 via phoropter opening 472. Phoropter bar 438 is operable to allow coupling of other devices including a camera and corrective lenses (e.g., via trial frame bracket 126). In one embodiment, phoropter bar 438 is operable for coupling to a visual target (e.g., eye chart) for use in the prescription process.

Trial lens 470 is shown resting in trial lens channel 422 and in a position adjacent to trial lens stop 470b. In one exemplary embodiment, trial lens 470 may be removed from or inserted into trial lens channel 422 at positions adjacent to trial lens stops 470a-b. In one embodiment, trial lens 470 is 3.0 mm thick, plano (e.g., no refraction), and made of optical quality dye-tintable plastic. In another embodiment, trial lens 470 may be 2.5 mm thick. Trial lens 470 may then be slid or pushed into slots 420 for viewing by a patient.

FIG. 8A shows a top orthogonal view of a portion of an exemplary refraction device with exemplary dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A depicts exemplary dimensions of a mounting bracket 892 (e.g., mounting bracket 492) portion of an exemplary refraction device. Mounting bracket 892 may have a width of 25.0825 centimeters, a length of 14.9225 centimeters, and thickness of 2.53746 centimeters. The inner portion of mounting bracket 892 may have a width of 21.1201 centimeters (e.g., width prior to attachment of mounting clamps 498).

FIG. 8B shows a back orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction device with exemplary dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B depicts exemplary dimensions of a width of a trial lens retainer (e.g., trial lens retainer 114) of 14.1732 centimeters, a width of bracket mount (e.g., bracket mount 490) of 4.4958 centimeters, a height of 9.95426 centimeters and width of 46.355 centimeters for a portion comprising a trial lens channel (e.g., trial lens channel 422), trial lens stops (e.g., trial lens stops 470a-b), and an opening for a patient to look through (e.g., opening 496). A height of 5.88772 centimeters is shown for a portion from bottom of a portion having a trial lens channel (e.g., trial lens channel 422) and the bottom of a lens release lever (e.g., lens release lever 410).

FIG. 8C shows a side orthogonal view of an exemplary refraction device with exemplary dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8C depicts exemplary dimensions of a height of a 2.413 centimeters for a mounting bracket portion, a 2.54 centimeters height of a bracket mount (e.g., bracket mount 490), a height of 15.54198 centimeters from the bottom of a lens release lever (e.g., lens release lever 410) to the top of a portion comprising a trial lens slot (e.g., trial lens slot 420), a width of 6.96036 centimeters for the front of a viewing opening (e.g., opening 496) to a lens release lever (e.g., lens release lever 410). FIG. 8C further depicts a height of 11.31824 centimeters from the bottom of a lens release lever (e.g., lens release lever 410) to the top of a trial lens retainer (e.g., trial lens retainer 114), a width of 5.05714 centimeters from the front of a portion comprising a trial lens channel (e.g., trial lens channel 422) to a portion of trial lens retainer (e.g., trial lens retainer 114), and a width of 3.01752 centimeters for a portion supporting a bracket mount (e.g., bracket mount 490).

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary chin rest operable for coupling with an exemplary refraction device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 depicts exemplary components of exemplary chin rest operable for use with a refraction device (e.g., exemplary refraction device 400) during a neurochromatic prescription process. Exemplary chin rest 900 may be operable for use in a variety of eye examinations including a slit lamp eye examination.

In one embodiment, exemplary chin rest 900 includes base 902, chin rest 904, headrest 906, and support 908. Base 902 is coupled to support 908 and base 902 may allow coupling of chin rest 900 to a variety of surfaces including a table or desk (e.g., with screws or clamps). Chin rest 904 is operable for providing support of a patient's chin during an eye examination or neurochromatic prescription process. Head rest 906 is operable to provide support for a patient's head during an eye examination or a neurochromatic prescription process. Head rest 906 and chin rest 904 are operable to allow a patient's head to rest comfortably in a fixed position during an eye examination and a neurochromatic prescription process. In one embodiment, head rest 906 and chin rest 904 are adjustable with respect to support 908 to accommodate a variety of patients.

Support 908 may be a cylindrically shaped support that extends up from base 902 (e.g., in an up, over, and down shape) and is operable for attachment of chin rest 904, head rest 906, and exemplary refraction device 400 (e.g., via mounting brackets 492 and mounting clamps 498). In one exemplary embodiment, a refraction device (e.g., exemplary refraction device 400) may be coupled to support 908 above head rest 906.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of an exemplary refraction device with a trial frame and trial frame mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary refraction device 1000 may be mounted on a phoropter bar or near point rod (e.g., phoropter bar 438 or 138) and used in determination of a neurochromatic prescription. Exemplary refraction device 1000 includes lens release lever 1010, trial lens retainer 1014, trial lens slot 1020, selected trial lens rack 1080, trial frame 1028, trial frame mount 1097, phoropter mount support 1091, phoropter clamp 1099, phoropter or near point mount 1090, and spring mechanism 1093. Exemplary refraction device 1000 may have substantially similar components to that of exemplary refraction device 400.

Trial lens retainer 1014 is operable to retain one or more trial lenses that have been selected during a neurochromatic prescription determination process (e.g., trial lenses that have resulted in improvement in visual function). Trial lens retainer 1014 is operable to hold one or more trial lenses placed on top of selected trial lens rack 1080. In one exemplary embodiment, trial lens rack 1080 is operable to hold six trial lenses. In one embodiment, trial lens retainer 1014 is spring loaded by spring mechanism 1093 to provide sufficient pressure to securely hold selected trial lens (e.g., selected trial lenses 116). It is appreciated that trial lens retainer 1014 can operate with a newly selected trial lens being inserted in a position closest to a patient's eyes or farthest from a patient's eyes.

Trial lens retainer 1014 is coupled to lens release lever 1010. Trial lens release 1010 may operable to lock and unlock the position of trial lens retainer 1014 thereby allowing a trial lens to be added or removed from the selected trial lenses. Trial lens slot 1020 is operable to allow a trial lens to be inserted or removed from the line of sight of a patient.

Phoropter mount support 1091 is operable for coupling or mounting exemplary refraction device 1000 a phoropter bar or near point rod (e.g., phoropter bar 438 or 138) via phoropter clamp 1099 and phoropter or near point mount 1090. Phoropter clamp 1099 is operable to clamp or lock phoropter mount 1090 on a phoropter bar (e.g., via screws in phoropter clamp 1099). In one exemplary embodiment, phoropter mount 1090 is operable to fit around and operable for securely mounting exemplary refraction device 1000 on a phoropter bar.

Trial frame mount 1097 is operable for mounting of trial frame 1028 on exemplary refraction device 1000. In one embodiment, trial frame mount 1097 comprises hook 1100 which is operable to hold trial frame 1028 in place (e.g., via a friction fit and/or gravity). Trial frame 1028 may comprise openings for insertion of corrective lenses (e.g., ophthalmic lenses) and thereby allows determination of a neurochromatic prescription with corrective lenses present. In one exemplary embodiment, trial frame 1028 may comprise side ear pieces (not shown) for resting upon the ears of a patient during the neurochromatic prescription process.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of an exemplary refraction device with an exemplary trial frame and an exemplary trial frame mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary refraction device 1000 includes lens release lever 1010, trial lens retainer 1014, trial lens slot 1020, selected trial lens rack 1080, trial frame 1028, trial frame mount 1097, phoropter mount support 1091, phoropter clamp 1099, phoropter or near point mount 1090, and spring mechanism 1093. Exemplary refraction device 1000 further includes phoropter clamp portions 1099a-b, label 1089, opening 1096, and channel portions 1022a-b.

In one embodiment, phoropter mount 1090 comprises a first portion and a second portion operable to fit around or mount to a phoropter (e.g., phoropter bar 438 or 138). Portions of phoropter mount 1090 may be secured to a phoropter bar (e.g., held in place) by phoropter clamp portions 1099a-b.

Label 1098 is operable for placement of a logo, source indicator (e.g., trademark), or other graphic on exemplary refraction device 1000. Channel portions 1022a-b form a channel (e.g., channel 422) for trial lens to be inserted, slid into the line of sight of a patient, and removed during the neurochromatic prescription process. Channel portions 1022a-b may also form a portion of a lens slot (e.g., lens slot 1020 and 420) and are proximate to opening 1096 through which a patient may look through a trial lens.

In one embodiment, exemplary refraction device 1000 includes a nose attachment device (not shown) operable for attachment of a nose piece to provide for the comfort and stability of a patient during examination. In one exemplary embodiment, the nose piece may be proximate to or a portion of the nose piece may be in front of opening 1096.

In one embodiment, trial frame mount 1097 includes hooks 1100a-b which are operable for coupling of a trial frame (e.g., trial frame 1028) to exemplary refraction device 1000.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of an exemplary refraction device with an exemplary trial frame and another exemplary trial frame mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary refraction device 1000 includes lens release lever 1010, trial lens retainer 1014, trial lens slot 1020, selected trial lens rack 1080, trial frame 1028, opening 1096, channel portions 1022a-b, and spring mechanism 1093. Exemplary refraction device 1000 further includes trial frame mount 1102 and retaining portion 1104.

Trial frame mount 1102 is operable for mounting of trial frame 1028 on exemplary refraction device 1000. In one exemplary embodiment, trial frame mount 1102 comprises a wire frame portion. It is appreciated that the wire frame portion may have reduce material design and have reduced weight. Trial frame 1102 may include retaining portion 1104 which may be a vertical portion which holds and/or secures trail frame 1028 into place (e.g., via a friction fit and/or gravity).

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an opening operable for alignment with a line of sight a patient observing a visual target;

a trial lens slot operable for use in receiving a trial lens into said line of sight and said opening;

a channel coupled to said trial lens slot, said channel operable for allowing sliding of said trial lens into a centered position within said opening, wherein said channel is operable for allowing sliding of said trial lens horizontally; and

a trial lens retainer operable for holding one or more trial lenses comprising a prescription for visual function improvement, wherein said one or more trial lenses are retained within said line of sight.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a phoropter bar opening operable for coupling a phoropter bar to said trial lens slot.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said phoropter bar is operable for coupling to a camera.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said camera comprises infrared functionality.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said phoropter bar is operable for coupling of corrective lenses.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a first slide stop and a second slide stop adjacent to each respective end of said channel, wherein when a first trial lens is in contact with said first slide stop, a second trial lens in contact with said first trial lens is centered in said opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said opening and said channel have metric dimensions.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a headrest for positioning said patient's head, wherein said headrest is coupled to said trial lens slot.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said opening is rectangular in shape and operable for accommodating viewing of said visual target through said opening with both eyes of said patient.

10. A refraction device comprising:

a trial lens channel for allowing sliding of a trial lens into a centered position within a line of sight of a patient, wherein said trial lens channel is operable for allowing sliding of said trial lens horizontally into said line of sight;

a trial lens retainer operable for holding one or more trial lenses within said line of sight;

a locking mechanism coupled to said trial lens retainer, wherein said locking mechanism is operable to clamp said one or more trial lenses into place; and

a base portion operable for providing support to said trial lens channel, wherein said base portion is operable for height adjustment of said trial lens channel.

11. The device as described in claim 10 further comprising:

an opening operable for alignment with said lien of sight of said patient observing a visual target.

12. The device as described in claim 11 wherein said opening is rectangular in shape and operable for accommodating viewing of said visual target through said opening with both eyes of said patient.

13. The device as described in claim 10 further comprising:

a phoropter bar opening operable for coupling a phoropter bar to said trial lens channel.

14. The device as described in claim 13 wherein said phoropter bar is operable for coupling of a camera.

15. The device as described in claim 13 wherein said phoropter bar is operable for coupling of corrective lenses.

16. A device for use in determining a chromatic prescription, said device comprising:

a channel for allowing sliding of a trial lens into a centered position within a line of sight of a patient, wherein said channel is operable for allowing sliding of said trial lens horizontally into said line of sight; and

a trial lens retainer operable for holding one or more trial lenses within said line of sight; and

a phoropter bar operable for coupling of a camera, wherein said camera is operable for recording a response of eyes of said patient looking through said trial lens.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein said phoropter bar is operable for coupling corrective lenses within said patient's line of sight.

18. The device of claim 16 wherein said phoropter bar is operable for coupling a target, wherein said target comprises an eye chart.

19. The device of claim 16 further comprising:

a locking mechanism coupled to said trial lens retainer, wherein said locking mechanism is operable to lock said one or more trial lenses into place.

20. The device of claim 16 further comprising:

a base portion operable for providing support to said channel, wherein said base is operable for height adjustment of said channel.