Abstract: An optometric apparatus and an optometric method includes the steps of acquiring subject's attributes and an orientation selected by the subject on an astigmatic axis determination chart displayed on the computer screen, displaying vision measurement charts in the acquired orientation and the orientation perpendicular thereto to acquire visual recognition limits selected by the subject, calculating far point distances based on the acquired visual recognition limits and the acquired subject's attributes, and calculating a refractive power based on the acquired orientation and the calculated two far point distances. The far point distance is calculated using a neural network that has been determined by a number of subjects in advance.

Abstract: A device using light emitting diodes directed at the patient as a light source for evaluating the appropriate color and density of filters or sunglasses for a patient is disclosed. The device may be used with additional filters or sunglasses to determine what filter or sunglass color and density will provide optimal vision for targets of varying spatial frequency. The device may also be used with additional filters of varying color and density to determine the health of the patient's ocular media.

Abstract: A method for automatically screening for visual dysfunctions in preliterate or pre-school test subjects incorporates collecting personal profile and background information and transferring the information to a local storage system. The information is retrieved into a PC system and a test procedure is initiated with a test subject by establishing an exclusive dialog between the test subject and the PC system. The test procedure is in the form of a game selectively attractive and readily understood by preliterate or school-age test subjects. The test results are printed for presentation to the test subject and are also transmitted together with the background information to an off-site repository for storage with test results and information of other test subjects. An epidemiological analysis is made of the stored test results and information in accordance with a predetermined analysis protocol. A report is generated representing the results of the analysis.

Abstract: The novel design of the eye self-test device increases patient compliance by reminding the patient to self-test and allows the patient's doctor to monitor compliance with the testing regimen. The data may be recorded and the patient notified if a change in vision necessitates examination by the doctor. The test is robustly manufactured to withstand breakage and is lightweight and portable. Its preferred method of attachment is such that it is capable of adhering to any vertically visible surfaces such that the conspicuous location of the test should encourage an improvement in testing compliance. Patient information, including instructions for testing and the doctor's name and telephone number for contacting in case of emergency may be provided internal or external to the device. In an alternative embodiment, an event reminder is provided which can also include an eye-self test.

Abstract: A method for self-detection of exposure to organophosphates includes (a) providing a device for monitoring pupillary response; (b) switching the device on and placing the eyeglass cup over the eye to be tested; (c) blocking light from entering the other eye; and (d) observing whether or not the pupil in the eye to be tested dilates. The device for monitoring pupillary response includes a housing; an eyeglass cup attached to the housing, the eyeglass cup including an insert tower and a glass aperture disposed on an end of the insert tower; a power supply disposed in the housing; a light source connected to the power supply; and a switch for controlling power to the light source.

Abstract: A novel visual field test utilizing oscillating visual stimuli is proposed, which may be used to diagnose for eye disorders, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Such visual stimuli oscillate in color, polarity, saturation, luminance or intensity. Preferably, the visual test pattern consists of oscillating visual stimuli arranged in a pattern, such as a repeating or grid pattern, covering substantially all of the field of vision being tested. And, may include the use of frequency doubling visual stimuli. In use, the visual field test pattern is positioned in front of the patient so as to cover substantially all of the field of vision being tested, typically about a solid angle of 40° or more. The eye under examination is fixated, and the patient asked to indicate areas where the oscillating visual stimuli are dissimilar, such as by outlining those areas different from the rest of the visual field test pattern.

Abstract: A method for self-detection of exposure to organophosphates includes (a) providing a device for monitoring pupillary response; (b) switching the device on and placing the eyeglass cup over the eye to be tested; (c) blocking light from entering the other eye; and (d) observing whether or not the pupil in the eye to be tested dilates. The device for monitoring pupillary response includes a housing; an eyeglass cup attached to the housing, the eyeglass cup including an insert tower and a glass aperture disposed on an end of the insert tower; a power supply disposed in the housing; a light source connected to the power supply; and a switch for controlling power to the light source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing an eye examination are disclosed. In particular, an object is recorded by a recording mechanism. The recording is transferred to a computer system, which is accessible to users. As users view the recording of the object, the appearance thereof is altered. The user will observe the various appearances and select the appearance that is the best or most clear. A prescription will be assigned to each appearance so that upon selection by a user, the prescription can be noted and used to obtain any necessary eye wear. The present invention is useful in detecting and diagnosing various ocular disorders or refractive errors such as emmetropia, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia and the need for prismatic lenses.

Abstract: A perimeter for visual examination has a head restraint and a control panel. Located on a unit base is an optical system, in which there is an optical examination system with an eyepiece. The optical system is movably mounted on the unit base and can be adjusted by means of at least one drive. The optical system can be tracked for precise positioning with respect to the eye being examined. The perimeter makes it possible to position the optical system in essentially any desired position.

Abstract: A magnification testing apparatus for testing the suitability of eyeglasses is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of frames for eyeglass lenses, a plurality of pairs of lenses of different magnification secured within the frames, a support means holding the frames for a user of the apparatus to position their face so as to bring each of the frames in turn into a conventional eyeglass-wearing position, and a motif of a first predetermined size that is spaced in use of the apparatus a first predetermined distance from each frame when each frame is in the conventional eyeglass-wearing position.

Abstract: Reading disorders are diagnosed and remediated in a subject by respectively measuring and improving contrast sensitivity for motion discrimination of the subject. A background is displayed on a monitor with a contrast and a spatial frequency. A test window is superimposed over the background and includes a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency. The contrasts and the spatial frequencies are within respective ranges which stimulate the visual cortical movement system of the subject. The test pattern is then moved within the test window. The subject provides a signal indicative of the direction the subject believes the test pattern moved. In response to this signal, the contrast of the test pattern, the spatial frequency of the background, or the spatial frequency of the test pattern is modified, either by increasing or decreasing its respective value. This process is then repeated a number of times, cycling through predetermined combinations of test patterns and backgrounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for detailed and sharp self-viewing of the eye including the cornea or surface of the eye comprises a tube-like housing with a diffused light source at one end. The light source projects light through a pin-hole in the center of a baffle in the tube housing towards a convex lens near the other end of the tube housing. When a user holds the tube housing with the convex lens close to his eye, a sharp and detailed image of the eye is projected into the tube and may be viewed by the user. The device is particularly useful for self visual inspection of the condition of the eye cornea, for inspecting contact lenses for air bubbles or debris lying between the lens and the eye, and for inspecting the installation and condition of piggy back lenses.

Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus includes a projecting system for projecting a light from an index light source emitting a visual ray onto an eye to be examined, and a reflecting optical system located so as to face to the eye to be examined and adapted to reproduce a corneal reflex image of the index light source as a mirror image.

Abstract: The novel design of the eye self-test device increases patient compliance by reminding the patient to self-test and allows the patient's doctor to monitor compliance with the testing regimen. The data may be recorded and the patient notified if a change in vision necessitates examination by the doctor. The test is robustly manufactured to withstand breakage and is lightweight and portable. Its preferred method of attachment is such that it is capable of adhering to any vertically visible surfaces such that the conspicuous location of the test should encourage an improvement in testing compliance. Patient information, including instructions for testing and the doctor's name and telephone number for contacting in case of emergency may be provided internal or external to the device.

Abstract: Reading disorders are diagnosed and remediated in a subject by respectively measuring and improving contrast sensitivity for motion discrimination of the subject. A background is displayed on a monitor with a contrast and a spatial frequency. A test window is superimposed over the background and includes a test pattern with a contrast and a spatial frequency. The contrasts and the spatial frequencies are within respective ranges which stimulate the visual cortical movement system of the subject. The test pattern is then moved within the test window. The subject provides a signal indicative of the direction the subject believes the test pattern moved. In response to this signal, the contrast of the test pattern, the spatial frequency of the background, or the spatial frequency of the test pattern is modified, either by increasing or decreasing its respective value. This process is then repeated a number of times, cycling through predetermined combinations of test patterns and backgrounds.

Abstract: A vision tester comprising a front wall and a back wall. Printed matter comprising words appears on the back wall, which is approximately 14 inches (35.6 cm.) from the front wall. The printed matter is exposed to ambient light from the top and front. The front wall has an opening through which the user of the vision tester looks. A plurality of magnifying lenses, of different diopter ratings, are selectively positionable behind the opening. Indicia appear to indicate the diopter rating of each lens. The user of the vision tester can determine the diopter rating of the appropriate lens needed for reading by determining which lens renders the printed matter clear and readable.

Abstract: An improved ophthalmological self test unit for assisting in the self evaluation of the degenerative effects of certain eye disorders. The self diagnostic ophthalmological device includes a first layer having a top rewriteable surface and a grid pattern disposed thereon and a magnetic second layer fixedly attached to the first layer for attaching the self test device to a magnetically permeable surface.

Abstract: A field of view collimator for self-monitoring peripheral vision loss. The field of view collimator includes a hand-held housing having a viewing aperture for placement adjacent to the subject's eye. A lens projects an image to the eye. The image, in the form of a circular edge, is formed by an iris diaphragm positioned behind the lens. The angular size of the image is adjustable by opening or closing the iris diaphragm. A diffuser is positioned behind the iris diaphragm to provide an even back-illumination. Indicia markings indicate the measured field of view. The device is particularly suitable for home use by persons with glaucoma.

Abstract: A presbyometer for aid in selecting the appropriate strength of over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses is disclosed. The device comprises a view assembly with a pair of rotational lens wheels. The lens wheels each have a plurality of spaced apart apertures, each having a lens of differing dioptric strength. A user looks through the first lens on each lens wheel toward a back plate having a visual target. The lens wheels are rotated, thereby bringing a lens of increasing Diopter strength into exposure. When the user can adequately read the stimulus, the correct level of Diopter strength correction is identified and corresponding OTC glasses are purchased. A ocular width adjustment means is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved visual performance tester is provided which measures and stores very precise information concerning the visual sensitivity of a human eye, by use of a series of contrasting images on a computer monitor screen under a controlled-lighting environment. The tester measures the time it takes for a human patient to give the answers required by the test, thereby providing more accurate information than previously available in conventional vision testing systems. Various charts having different spatial frequencies (i.e., different sizes of bands inside a circle), different band inclinations, and different contrast characteristics are periodically displayed on the computer monitor, while the patient presses buttons (or areas) on the monitor screen to indicate his or her ability to perceive the chart images. By gradually and randomly decreasing the contrast, and/or increasing the spatial frequency, the tester can determine the patient's critical vision threshold.

Abstract: An improved ophthalmological self test unit for assisting in the self evaluation of the degenerative effects of certain eye disorders. The self diagnostic ophthalmological device includes a grid area having a re-writable surface which is fixably attached to a magnetic backed material for ease of attachment to any metallic surface such as might often be found on a refrigerator. Disposed on the grid surface is a central focusing means for assisting in the focusing of a patient's attention to the central portion of the high contrast grid structure. In an alternative embodiment a polar grid is utilized along with the central focusing means mounted upon the magnetic backed material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing individuals having a sub-optimal central field of vision so as to identify areas within the visual field in which images can be perceived and for determining effects of contrast sensitivity and distortion within such areas such that visual images may be presented, after being enhanced so as to modify the images in accordance with tested parameters, so that the individual will perceive the images in an improved manner.

Abstract: Color imaging projection apparatus for projecting a pair of laterally spaced, collimated, colored light beams onto the iris portion of an individual's eyes while viewing him/herself in a two-way mirror. A housing is provided wherein is located a light source, a color wheel, a pair of laterally spaced, optical collimating rods, and a front-surfaced mirror. Light from the light source passes through a selected color filter of the color wheel, through the optical collimating rods which transmit two discreet, colored beams of light onto the front-surfaced mirror which, in turn, directs the beams of colored light through the two-way mirror to the individual located on the opposite side thereof. The individual positions him/herself with the colored light beams impinging the iris portion of their eyes as the individual views him/herself in the two-way mirror.

Abstract: Two identical plates somewhat in the shape of very large eyeglass frames sandwiching two rotable discs, one for each eye, form the front section of the device. Each disc has a series of magnifying lenses of increasing power which can be brought into the eye openings in the plate when the discs are rotated and allow the user to focus on a group of alphbetical characters of a predetermined size and at a predetermined distance from the lenses at the end of a view tunnel. The strength of the lenses required for focusing can then be read from the disc where it is clearly indicated next to each lens. These lens strengths correspond to the power of reading glasses sold non-prescription in most drug stores.

Abstract: A refractometer for measuring spherical refractive errors of an eye is shown. The refractometer includes an objective first lens system adapted to be moved along a predetermined path between a first position and a second position. A linear diopter scale measuring means is responsive to the movement of the objective first lens system for providing spherical refractive diopter measurements. A fixed second lens system is positioned at a selected location from the first position and is in alignment with the objective first lens system. A Pechan inverting prism system is located in the focal plane or the fixed second lens system and the first position. An adjustment means is operatively coupled to the objective first lens system for moving the same between said first position and said second position. A method for self-testing for spherical refractive errors of an eye using a refractometer of the present invention is shown.

Abstract: A biofeedback method and system provide eye position feedback to a patient. A first light source produces a ring of visible light centered about an optical axis at a perceived first position. A second light source produces a dot of visible light centered on the same optical axis as that of the ring at a perceived second position. As perceived by the eye, the ring's first position is closer to the eye than the dot's second position. The eye will further perceive the dot as being centered in the ring when the eye moves its visual axis into spatial and angular alignment with the optical axis shared by the dot and ring. An eye movement sensor detects a quantifiable amount of eye movement to generate an error signal. The error signal is supplied to the second light source to adjust the dot's appearance whenever the patient needs to realign the eye's visual axis with the optical axis of the dot and the ring.

Abstract: A simple and relatively inexpensive system has been developed for screening people both with normal vision and those with ocular and optic nerve disease using the Pulfrich stereo-illusion phenomenon. The system uses an audio/visual recording showing a ballerina moving in a pendulum fashion in front of a cone. The person to be tested uses a device which sequentially has no filters and filters of varying density whereby the patient with normal vision will see the ballerina moving back and forth in front of the cone and then rotating around the cone clockwise and counter-clockwise. The audio/visual recording may be shown to the person to be tested on a television set or a tv monitor.

Abstract: A Scheiner-principle optometer for automated assessment of accommodative state is disclosed. The specific advantages of the instant invention over earlier ones are: a) simplicity of design, b) hand held, portable implementation, c) light weight, d) small size, e) low manufacturing cost, and, f) the use of a monochromatic light source to eliminate the effects of chromatic aberrations in the subject's eye.

Abstract: A portable device for observing and examining the eyes, comprising a mirror hingeably mounted to the front bottom of a triangular-shaped base. Two lamps are attached, one at each side of the mirror. U shaped clips are affixed to the back bottom of the triangular-shaped base designed to slip over a horizontally extending automobile sun-visor and hold the mirror device in place. The portable device occupies the space between the sun-visor and vehicle ceiling and can be used by vehicle occupants easily, quickly, with minimal effort and without obstruction of occupant's views through the vehicle windows.

Abstract: A method for testing and treating visual dysfunctions (for example amblyopia) includes steps of providing an interactive visual game that presents to the patient a visual task, the visual game employing images scaled to the threshold visual parameter or parameters of the patient, and presenting a nonvisual reward to the patient for successful completion of the task. Also, apparatus for treating visual dysfunctions in a patient includes means for presenting an image to the patient, the image presenting a visual task to the patient, means for scaling the image to about the patient's threshold value for a visual parameter or parameters, means for providing an interaction between the patient and the image, and means for providing a reward for successful completion of the task.

Abstract: Portable, scanning, self-measuring pupillometers. With pupillometers described herein, cost effective and accurate central nervous system impairment can be quickly determined, thereby reducing worker inefficiency and improving safety. The pupillometers comprise eye orbit housings for positioning at least one eye orbit for scanning by the pupillometer, radiating diodes interfaced with the housings for irradiating at least one eye with scanning radiation, sensing elements adapted to receive reflected radiation from the eye irradiated by the radiating diodes, the sensing elements being further adapted to respond to a contrast between radiation reflected from the iris of the eye and radiation reflected from the pupil of the eye, and centering elements interfaced with the sensing elements for presenting an image of the pupil to a subject on the sensing elements so that the subject can center the image of the pupil on the sensing elements.

Abstract: A method for the detection of glaucoma which permits the early detection of glaucoma without expensive equipment or a technician. The device for the method comprises a planar surface having a fixation target thereon for focusing a test eye during testing, a mark positioned in a blind spot area outside of the user's area of peripheral vision and at least one additional mark in the field of vision of the user. To perform the method for the determination of glaucoma, the user of the device focuses the test eye on the fixation target eliminating the mark in the blind spot area from the user's vision and ascertaining the visibility of each additional mark.

Abstract: A method and optometer apparatus for measuring the accommodative state of eye of a subject is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the optometer apparatus includes: a pinhole aperture plate having a center and a plurality of apertures in the pinhole aperture plate for viewing by the subject's eye; a positive lens disposed near the pinhole aperture plate and having an optical axis coincident with the center of the pinhole aperture plate; and scaled means inclined away from the positive lens for indicating to the subject the accommodative state of the subject's eye in diopters.

Abstract: An eye self-examination device is provided with an objective lens mounted over a mirror into which the patient looks for the purposes of detecting foreign or unwanted matter within or around the eye. A light source having an appropriate power source is provided proximate the lens and mirror in order to illuminate the eye. The device can be used in a hand-held orientation or is provided with mounting means, such as legs on the housing, for positioning the device on a table. Furthermore, a storage compartment for swabs or other items related to cleaning the eye is provided within the housing.

Abstract: A quasi-reticle for an optical device, generated by enhanced multiple reflections. The reticle comprises fixation target generative means operative to generate a line of ghost images or other multiple fixation targets spaced along the optical axis of the optical device, whereby to enable the viewer by aligning his line of sight with the line of multiple fixation targets to position his eye properly with respect to the optical axis of the optical device.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an inexpensive hand-held device to allow a person to monitor the development of his cataract and record it. The device comprises a light source, a diffusion substance and a pinhole.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying and marking the visual center of the cornea of a human eye includes a cylindrical tube for placement over the cornea of a human eye. The tube is open at one end and includes, inside the tube, a disk-shaped member having a central pinhole-sized opening near the open end of the tube. Farther from the open end of the tube are one or more illuminated disks having central pinhole-sized opacities, one in the shape of a ring, another in the shape of a dot. While a viewer focuses through the pinhole on these opacities, a movable member mounted coaxially with the tube is moved to engage and mark the central visual axis of the cornea.

Abstract: A self-examination apparatus for the eye and the surrounding facial area is described in which a lens supported by housing can be moved with relation to the observer to provide a detailed or amplified image of the eye. The housing includes a substantially extended member for preventing sunlight from inadvertently being reflected off the lens into the observer's eye. The examination system further includes a self-illumination system that can provide the illumination when ambient conditions will not provide sufficient illumination for self-examination.

Abstract: Apparatus for self-examination of the human eye comprising a pen light for generating a beam of light, a reflecting sphere for orthogonally reflecting the beam through an opaque disc having a pin hole and a cylindrical head enclosing the reflecting sphere and opaque disc. The reflecting sphere is adjustable along its axis, and functions to reflect a uniformly diffuse beam of light through the pin hole. When the pin hole is at the anterior focus of the human eye and along its pupilary axis, a viewer can see opacities in the eye.

Abstract: A method of self-examining the interior of the ocular globe by applying a light source to the outer surface of the lower eyelid, with the eye closed in order to permit the entrance of the light from said light source only through the thickness of said lower eyelid and without said light passing through the crystalline or other focusing element of the eye, whereby the inner structure of the eye is rendered visible to the patient. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a light source housed in a casing having a transparent smooth cover adapted to be contacted under a slight pressure with the exterior surface of the lower eyelid, and a power source for the light source.

Abstract: An instrument for the self-examination of the eye of a subject is described which comprises a housing including a controllable light source for selectively illuminating the eye, an optical system for projecting along an optical axis an image of the eye so illuminated, photographic film for recording the image, the optical system being sized to provide a predetermined magnification of the image on the film, a transparent grid plate disposed along the optical axis between the light source and film for superimposing a set of calibrated lines onto the image of the eye, and a controllable shutter in the optical system for selectively exposing the film to the superposition of the images of the eye and of the calibrated lines. A flexible light shield surrounds the light source for resiliently contacting the contour of the face of the subject whereby extraneous light is excluded.