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Reichert’s Photoptor VRx features motorized prism compensators and a split-cylinder lens to allow for faster testing for astigmatism.
Automated refraction technology took a leap forward at the turn of the century when Marco began marketing its automated phoropter. Instead of turning dials to flip through a series of lenses to determine “which is better, one or two,” the automated phoropter allows the examiner to conduct the subjective refraction from a control pad or console or, more recently, a tablet or iPad.

Today, a host of competitors populate the automated phoropter landscape, with the newest addition being Reichert, which introduced its Phoroptor VRx Digital Refraction System at Vision Expo East in March this year. As the newest entrant, Reichert may have had the most opportunity to learn from others. Reichert said it designed and engineered the Phoroptor VRx with input from eyecare professionals. It has motorized prism compensators and a split-cylinder lens to allow for faster testing for astigmatism.

Marco estimates its Epic automated phoropter allows the examiner to perform a subjective refraction in three to five minutes and increase patient throughput by 50 percent to 75 percent. Vmax Vision said its Perfectus can obtain a subjective refraction to 20/20 in 30 seconds. LensCrafters started introducing its AccuExam system, which includes a Marco automated phoropter, in its locations a couple of years ago.