Abstract: A glare tester suitable for use with conventional subjective refractors for testing visual acuity is disclosed. The tester may be fitted to new refractors or retrofitted to existing refractors. The preferred tester is a plastic annular ring with a plurality of LEDs mounted in recesses to direct light toward the test axis and a surface to reflect the LED light toward the patient's eye. A coating on the ring surface opposite the patient's eye improves the LED efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for vision testing wherein visual test patterns displayed on a computer display are adjusted according to predetermined criteria with the distance between the subject being tested and the test pattern being monitored by computer to achieve computer control and adjustment of test object size.

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 visual function examination apparatus, comprising an optotype presenting device for presenting optotypes for use in examinations of visual functions of examinee's eyes, for examining visual functions of the eyes by delivering luminous flux via reflecting system from the optotype presenting device, wherein the optotype presenting device is provided with optotypes for examinations to be carried out as the examinee opens his both eyes, the optotypes having polarizing plates, and a binocular fixation target which should become fusion impulse to binocular vision is disposed around the optotypes for examinations.

Abstract: A patient-user interactive psychotherapy apparatus for use in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing treatment is disclosed. The psychotherapy apparatus includes a pair of visual displays, each for displaying an image having an emotional impact on a particular patient-user. The visual displays are positioned horizontally spaced from one another in the patient-user's field of view. The visual displays are each operable between two operational states including: a first operational state, wherein the image is highly, visually perceptible by the patient-user; and a second operational state, wherein the image is less visually perceptible by the patient-user. A pair of hand held switch inputs for switching between the two operational states of each visual display is also provided. In use, the patient-user alternately actuates the hand held switch inputs which causes the image to be alternately displayed as a highly, visually perceptible image in a back and forth manner on the two visual displays.

Abstract: A lightweight, pocket-sized, hand-held near vision test apparatus that selectively retroilluminates different near vision test objects located on an interchangeable near vision test card, or alternatively, selectively displays near vision test objects on a flat panel display screen. The apparatus allows the examiner to electronically direct the patient's attention to selected near vision test objects, while providing a baseline amount of contrast illumination.

Abstract: Examinations of the visual field required a spatially large system in the form of a perimeter or a (noise-field) campimeter with a microcomputer, a control and a video monitor. Additional testing apparatuses were required for further examinations. A compact apparatus is provided which can be transported and handled easily for determining visual field defects and for carrying out further examinations, such as testing distance and near vision, vision in the case of an approaching-light glare, testing strabismus, stereo tests, color tests and tests for measuring a reaction. For this purpose, a computer-controlled measuring apparatus is provided by way of a display and a lens system. The apparatus is housed in a spectacle-type and/or helmet-type carrier while the dimensions are small.

Abstract: A method and system for presenting two successive images on a video display unit as a dichoptic stimulus of substantially equal intensity, wherein a first image is displayed at a predetermined intensity so as to be seen by a first eye of an observer only, an optical shutter being used to prevent the displayed image from reaching the second eye of the observer. The first image is then extinguished and the state of the optical shutter reversed so that the first eye can no longer see the video display unit whilst a second image is presented to the second eye. In order to prevent the second eye from seeing an after image of the first image, a neutral density filter or polarizer is disposed within the light path and the second image is illuminated at a correspondingly higher intensity so as to compensate for the attenuation factor of the neutral density filter or polarizer.

Abstract: An optometer including a main body which has an observation window having a center axis, a rotary optotype disk having circumferentially arranged optotypes and disposed within the main body such that the optotype disk is rotatable about a rotary shaft so that one of the optotypes is brought into alignment with the center axis and viewed through the window, a driving disk rotatable about the center axis and rotatably supporting the rotary shaft such that the rotary shaft is parallel to and radially offset from the center axis, a rotary actuator for rotating the driving disk, and a stationary disk fixed within the main body coaxially with the driving disk and engaging the rotary shaft so as to cause rotation of the optotype disk about the rotary shaft when said driving disk is rotated about the center axis by the rotary actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and quantifying generalized visual sensitivity in terms of contrast sensitivity, spatial frequency response and eye brain recognition of image alignments or shapes is disclosed. A multiplicity of distinctly different information areas are provided, each of these information areas being generally delineated by indicia so as to eliminate patient or system search for an image and to generally designate the proximity of the information area for visual interrogation. The information areas may contain a grating having successive parallel aligned light and dark areas, which parallel aligned light and dark areas have a substantially linear character with the contrast levels and/or spatial frequency or size of occurrence differing for different information areas. Each successive information area has a background with mean luminance being the average of that mean luminance found within the information area.

Abstract: An apparatus for causing constriction of the pupils of a person's eyes which have corneal deformities so that light is not refracted through the corneal deformities, thus impairing the vision of the person. The apparatus includes a support frame with a first frame member having a nose rest associated therewith, a second frame member having an ear rest associated therewith, a first hinge which connects the second frame member to the first frame member, a third frame member having an ear rest associated therewith, and a second hinge which connects the third frame member to the first frame member. A first light source supported by the support frame generates light of an intensity sufficient to cause constriction of the pupil of one eye of the person, and a second light source supported by the support frame generates light of an intensity sufficient to cause constriction of the pupil of the other eye of the person.

Abstract: A system and method are described for determining a subject's perceived motion ability utilizing chromatic pathways. The equiluminant point between two selected colors is determined and two similar moving patterns are then provided, one equiluminant and the other luminant, the moving patterns consisting of only the two selected colors. The velocity of one pattern is held fixed while the velocity of the other pattern is matched to the fixed velocity by the subject. The difference between the matched velocity and the fixed velocity provides a measurement of the subject's perceived motion ability along the chosen chromatic pathways as compared to a standard. The comparison shows how to enhance motion perception ability by modifying the spectrum of the light impinging the subject's eyes in accordance with the comparison findings.

Abstract: An apparatus for visual acuity test of an examinee's eye comprises test chart presenting device for changing and presenting test chart to the examinee's eye, a switch for designating test chart to be presented by the test chart presenting means, a light delivery optical system for delivering luminous flux of test chart from the test chart presenting means to the examinee's eye, the light delivery optical system comprising a concave mirror for making the luminous flux of test chart optically from 4 m ahead of the examinee to infinit and a first reflection mirror for reflecting the luminous flux reflected the concave mirror to the examinee's eye, and reflecting angle adjusting device for adjusting reflection angle of the reflection mirror so as to fit to a height of the examinee's eye, a housing for internally mounting the test chart presenting means and the light delivery optical system, the housing having an aperture to allow the luminous flux of test chart pass therethrough and the aperture being provided wi

Abstract: An eye examining apparatus has a plurality of visual target projecting systems provided for left and right eyes. A visual target for an eye to be examined is adapted to be projected onto the eye to be examined by one of the plurality of visual target projecting systems, the visual target unit for the eye to be examined having a visual target mark for optometry. A visual target for the other eye adapted to be projected onto the other eye by one of the plurality of visual target projecting systems. The visual target for the other eye is provided with the same visual target mark as the visual target for optometry except that the visual target mark is made non-directional.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the ability to control the focussing of an eye. A pair of images originating for apparently different distances are directed simultaneously into the eye of an observer. The observer's ability to focus selectively upon either of the images is used as an indication of tolerance to intraocular multifocal contact lenses.

Abstract: An optometric apparatus includes an operating table and a vision test chart displaying device provided internally within the operating table. An optical group, including a plurality of reflection-type optical elements, are disposed within the operating table. The optical group repeatedly reflects an optical image of the vision test chart projected from the vision test chart displaying device along an optical path within said operating table. A first deflecting optical element reflects the optical image of the vision test chart reflected by the reflection-type optical element group outside the operating table in a first direction. A second deflecting optical element then reflects the optical image of the vision test chart reflected by the first deflecting optical element in a second direction toward the examinee's eyes.

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: Equipment for testing visual acuity and/or visual sensitivity to spatial contrasts in humans comprises a sheet having a plurality of optotypes disposed on one of its faces, the optotypes being distributed in rows L.sub.1 . . . L.sub.N and columns C.sub.1 . . . C.sub.N. The optotypes having the same spatial frequency are arranged in the same row L.sub.1 . . . L.sub.N, the spatial frequency increasing from the first row L.sub.1 to the last row L.sub.1, the spatial frequency corresponding with the spatial frequency used for acuity tests. The optotypes constituting contrast isosensitivity sets are arranged in columns C.sub.1 . . . C.sub.N, and the luminance contrast of which has values decreasing from a first column C.sub.1, with a maximum contrast value, to a last column C.sub.N, with a minimum contrast value. N is an integer.

Abstract: An apparatus for visual acuity testing by presenting visual test charts to an examinee by utilizing an electro-optic effect, the apparatus comprising a test charts displaying device in which test charts of a same kind are arranged in each chart line per visual acuity value and constitute a plurality of test chart lines, and test charts in different kind of test chart line individually arranged in a space between test charts in at least a test chart line, and a kind of test charts to be displayed on the test chart displaying device is selected by a selecting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and quantifying generalized visual sensitivity in terms of contrast sensitivity, spatial frequency response and eye brain recognition of image alignments or shapes is disclosed. A multiplicity of distinctly different information areas are provided, each of these information areas being generally delineated by indicia so as to eliminate patient or system search for an image and to generally designate the proximity of the information area for visual interrogation. The information areas may contain a grating having successive parallel aligned light and dark areas, which parallel aligned light and dark areas have a substantially linear character with the contrast levels and/or spatial frequency or size of occurrence differing for different information areas. Each successive information area has a background with mean luminance being the average of that mean luminance found within the information area.

Abstract: A device for testing vision potential of humans comprises an enclosure containing two transparent areas through one surface, two pairs of rollers, means for turning one of the rollers, a length of material fitted around the two pairs of rollers in snug engagement therewith so that by operating the means for turning one of the rollers the material moves around the two pairs of rollers, said material having a series of vision testing lines of indicia sized to test visual acuity from 20/20 to 20/200, each of said lines being visible in one area and each of said lines having on the material and visible through the other area markings from 20/20 to 20/200. Two sources of illumination are disposed within the enclosure, one illumination source being disposed in a position to illuminate the line of indicia and the other being positioned to illuminate the series of numbers from 20/20 to 20/200.

Abstract: In a method of testing a subject's perception of successively presented visual stimuli, a predetermined preliminary response time window is used at the beginning of the test to preliminarily classify the visual stimuli as "seen" or "not seen" depending on whether or not a response is received from the subject within the preliminary response time window. To permit reclassification of the visual stimuli at a later stage, the time of reception of every response, whether outside or within the preliminary response time windows, is stored. When an appropriate number of stimuli have been presented, a subject-adapted response time window is determined on the basis of the stored times of reception of the responses. This subject-adapted response time window is used for reclassifying the preliminarily classified stimuli.

Abstract: A device for testing visual contrast sensitivity is disclosed whereby the contrast between a vectographically polarized test symbol and a reference background may be continuously varied by changing the direction of polarization of a polarization analyzer situated along the test axis. The invention is practiced by providing a chart projector or a conventional refractor with a rotatable analyzer.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying a visual image to retina directly is comprised of an eye lens, a transparent display panel on which a picture image is displayed, a point source of light, and a mirror for reflecting a light which is emitted from the point source of light through the display panel to the eye lens to focus a real image on the user's retina.

Abstract: An apparatus for assuring vertical alignment of visual axes of a patient's eyes includes an eye cup that enables establishment of a liquid bath in which a surface of a cornea of a supine patient's first eye is completely submerged. A first light source is positioned above the liquid bath and directs a beam of alignment light to the submerged eye. A second light source is positioned above the patient's second eye and directs a beam of adjustment light to its corneal surface. Apparatus is provided that enables relative movement between the first and second light sources so as to enable the light sources to be moved into a position where the patient indicates a fusion of the light sources into a single spot, at which point it is known that the visual axis are vertical and aligned. The liquid bath assures that the beam of alignment light from the first light source is only in focus at the patient's eye when the first light source is directly coincident with the vertical axis of the first eye.

Abstract: A vision training system according to the present invention is computer based and is self-advancing and self-directed. The system is operable in two modes, a diagnostic mode and a therapeutic exercise mode. Therapeutic exercises are automatically tailored for a subject based upon the subject's test results in the diagnostic mode. The system has particular application for subjects who suffer from near point visual stress, but is not limited thereto.

Abstract: An improved vision tester apparatus and method are disclosed for use in conducting optometric examinations of patients who use video display terminals (VDTs). Specifically, the tester simulates images that are displayed to the patient by a typical VDT, so as to facilitate prescribing corrective lenses that will perform well for the patient when used with an actual VDT. The tester (10) includes a flat-panel electroluminescent light source (32) for illuminating a screen (14) without hot spots. The screen includes a colored ink layer (78,80,82) and an opaque ink mask (70) for forming pixel-like light elements (24). Lensing structures (52,56,58,60) degrade the image such that each light element exhibits a generally Gaussian light amplitude curve (FIG. 5B) characteristic of a pixel of an actual VDT. A rechargeable battery (34) coupled to a inverter circuit (30) provide portable power for the EL panel to complete a compact, portable tester.

Abstract: A projector slide apparatus for use in a duplex optical chart projector of the type used by optometrists and eye care professionals. The apparatus is insertable into and capable of variable movement within the optical chart projector towards combined simultaneous projection of indicia from an optical acuity chart slide onto a display screen; at different acuity diffusion levels for further testing, evaluating and measuring of the capabilities and sensitivities of the patient's eye.

Abstract: An opaque plate is positioned in front of a patient undergoing color vision testing. A number of openings are formed in the plate. Behind each disk is a hollow sphere having colored light sources mounted therein. By selectively energizing the colored light sources in a sphere, a mixture of light is presented at the corresponding transparent disk at a selected intensity. A tester can select one or more spheres to be internally illuminated by color light sources so that the patient is presented with a pattern of selectable color mixtures which checks his color vision.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for finding blind spots in the eye of a person tested. In examinations carried out to date, it was necessary to scan the entire image field of the person tested. According to the invention an image with a plurality of image points lying closely side-by-side is offered to the person tested, the variations in the brightness of which image points are presented at a high frequency, and additionally, a fixation mark at a defined place. The apparatus and the method can be used in all types of examinations of the field of vision.

Abstract: A vision-testing apparatus includes a concave mirror and at least one test object (2) which can be changed in position and is arranged between the concave mirror (1) and its focal point (f) in a first optic path (W1). In order to be able to carry out different vision tests with an apparatus which is simple in design and compact in manufacture, it is provided that the eye (7) of a person being tested is arranged at a focal point (F) of the concave mirror (1) and that between the concave mirror (1) and the test object (2) there is arranged a first partially translucent dividing mirror (3) to form a second optic path (W2) from the concave mirror (1) to the eye (7) of the person being tested.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a figure as a visual image target visually recognizable by a patient to be examined, generating an image as a visual target from an image memory and displaying the visual target, and changing the size of the visual target in accordance with a change in diopter of the visual target.

Abstract: A device for measuring the response of the eye to the flashing of a luminous source comprises a housing (11) containing a source of electrical energy (16), a light-emitting diode (14), an optical system (15) for focusing the light emitted by the source on the retina of the eye and an electronic control device (17). This device is arranged to generate numerical sinusoidal signal with modulation delta, which simplifies the circuit and ensures that the measurements are sufficiently stable.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus includes a lens having a diameter greater than the distance between the pupils of the eyes of a user to be tested, adapted to be disposed in front of the eyes, a first visual target, including a visual target portion and a surrounding field of view defining portion, disposed at or near a focal plane of the lens, and a light source for illuminating the visual target portion and the surrounding field of view defining portion.

Abstract: The inventive method and apparatus are based on the display of a striped target with constantly accurate contrast to the patient for finding a visual function disturbance associated with such eye diseases as glaucoma or diabetic repinopathy at their earlier stage. A sight target of striped pattern is formed on the screen having a uniform brightness, the striped target is oscillated in the direction orthogonal to the striped pattern while varying the contrast of striped target and showing it to the patient, and the threshold of the pattern contrast which can be recognized visually by the patient is measured.

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: An ophthalmic lighting apparatus for operable attachment to ophthalmic articles, such as ophthalmic refractors, which articles are capable of supporting and deploying a protruding reading card rod, a reading card holder and accordingly a reading card during an ophthalmic examination. An illumination member is operably attached to one or more of the components of the reading card assembly for providing a controlled and standardized amount of light to the reading card. A position sensitive switch is interposed between a power source and the illumination member for automatically switching a light source upon movement of the reading card rod from a vertically protruding pre-ophthalmic examination position to a substantially horizontal protruding ophthalmic examination position.

Abstract: A vision testing apparatus and a method for testing vision in terms of contrast sensitivity and spatial frequency response are provided. The apparatus and method utilize a plurality light-polarizing optotypes which are provided on sheets of an oriented polymeric material. The optotypes are presented one at a time to a patient in conjunction with a polarizing filter such that rotation of the filter relative to the optotype will cause the contrast of the optotype to vary from a first condition wherein the pattern of the optotype is indistinguishable from its background to a second condition wherein the optotype is seen at a maximum level of contrast. The patient will indicate the point at which he or she first sees the optotype. The sequential presentation of a series of optotypes having patterns which vary in their spatial frequencies will provide a measure of both contrast sensitivity and spatial frequency response for each patient tested.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for examining the field of vision, having a scanning device, which is provided with beam deflecting and beam imaging elements, via which the illumination light beam from an illumination light source is guided onto the region of the fundus oculi to be imaged and, if need be, the light reflected from the fundus oculi is guided to a detector device, from the time-sequential output signal of which an evaluation and synchronization unit generates an image of the scanned section by points, and having a control unit, which controls the intensity of the illumination light beam scanning the fundus oculi in such a manner that marks, respectively patterns, are projected onto a predeterminable region of the fundus oculi with predeterminable brightness, which the person under examination perceives, respectively does not perceive in the event of defects in the field of vision.

Abstract: An optical instrument for use in conducting optometric examinations which generates an alphanumeric type display simulating the optical features of displays provided by video display terminals. The instrument comprises a light source and a multi-layered screen through which light from the source may be transmitted. The screen employs light from the source in forming characters which are comprised of pixel-like light elements similar to those making up VDT generated characters. Further, the screen is operative for degrading the image quality of the characters by transforming the light elements into Gaussian type spatial profiles typical of the pixels generated by VDTs.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing glaucomatous field defects of particular use in diagnosing the early stages of glaucoma and ocular hypertension is disclosed. The method comprises displaying an image comprising an annulus of a first color on a background of a second color to the patient, the annulus having a gap in it at a variable position. The patient is asked to identify the location of the gap and the tonal contrast between the first color and the second color is varied to determined the color contrast sensitivity threshold of the patient. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating substantially pure phasic-type neutronal activity associated with a specific pattern of pupil diameter variation comprisesmeans for repeatedly measuring pupil diameter and for outputting signals representing the measurements; andmeans operatively connected to the pupil diameter measuring means for evaluating a pattern of pupil diameter variation in response to the presentation to a subject's eye of at least two images capable of eliciting a substantially pure phasic-type neuronal response.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring visual acuity utilizes an apparatus having two rotating charts. The two rotating charts are mounted within a housing which has a window in the front thereof. The housing is illuminated and the charts are placed upon plastic rotating disks which transmit light. The disks are rotated independent of each other in order that one chart may be viewed through the window in the apparatus. Adjacent the window are a series of LEDs which serve to indicate to the patient which line of the optotypes on the chart is to be read. At the bottom of the device there is a display which indicates the number of the line being read and the visual acuity that this represents. The activation of the indicators and the rotation of the disks are controlled via a wireless remote control.

Abstract: An improved visual acuity tester is disclosed that is adapted both to measure the visual acuity of a patient and to function as an integral optical prescription calculator. The visual acuity tester essentially includes a display monitor for displaying visual acuity targets, electronic means for generating a plurality of visual acuity targets to be displayed on the monitor, and a hand-held remote control unit provided with a display unit and a keyboard coupled to the electronic means for controlling the display on the monitor and for performing prescription calculations. The visual acuity targets are created by toggling on/off the electronic means when horizontally scanning the lead lines of screen memories of the targets. Preferably, the electronic means includes a dynamic memory having two screens of memory: an active screen and an inactive screen.

Abstract: A vision training system according to the present invention is computer based and is self-advancing and self-directed. The system is operable in two modes, a diagnostic mode and a therapeutic exercise mode. Therapeutic exercises are automatically tailored for a subject based upon the subject's test results in the diagnostic mode. The system has particular application for subjects who suffer from near point visual stress, but is not limited thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing dark adaptation comprises a test panel. Four test stimuli, comprising arrays of light emitting diodes, are arranged on the test panel around a fixation light emitting diode. Translucent covers are mounted over the arrays of light emitting diodes. Four switches to enable a subject to input the identity of a visible test stimulus are provided, each switch is operated by a button formed by a respective cover of the test stimuli. A test stimulus is randomly selected and switched on at a predetermined level of luminance. On a correct identification, another test stimulus is selected and switched on at a reduced level of luminance. The times from the commencement of the test until the various correct identifications are recorded, as are the corresponding level of luminance of the test stimuli.

Abstract: A vision test apparatus illuminated by internal light source generating a constant, predetermined light intensity in the vicinity of the eye chart. The unit employs at least one photocell to monitor the light intensity near the eye chart and thereby adjust the amount of light generated by the light source to provide a constant level of illumination near the eye chart.

Abstract: A device permitting the rapid determination of scotopic sensitivity syndrome comprised of small cards with colored filters on visual test patterns. The filter's frequencies correspond to the receptor frequencies of the cones in the retina and their combinations.

Abstract: 1. The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for finding blind spots in the eye of a person tested.2.1. In examinations carried out to date, it was necessary to scan the entire image field of the person tested.2.2. According to the invention an image with a plurality of image points lying closely side-by-side is offered to the person tested, the variations in the brightness of which image points are presented at a high frequency, and additionally, a fixation mark at a defined place.2.3. The apparatus and the method can be used in all types of examinations of the field of vision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a human visual function employ a set of test objects that have viewing surfaces. One viewing surface bears no visually perceptible pattern and hence is visually homogeneous. Other viewing surfaces bear patterns of selected different coarseness corresponding to different visual acuities. The viewing surfaces preferably are otherwise visually identical and have selected luminosities. An examiner can readily evaluate a visual acuity function of a wide range of subjects, including infants, by observing the subject's eye motion to determine whether the subject distinguishes a perceptible pattern from the homogeneous pattern.