Examining the Eye with the PanOptic Ophthalmoscope

Dim the lights

With any eye exam, you may want to dim the room lights to help dilate the pupil and improve your view.

Turn on the scope

Turn the scope on at full intensity. You may want to dim later for patient comfort. All standard Welch Allyn handles have a dimming control.

Correct for your vision

To correct for your vision, look through the scope at an object that’s about 10 feet away – and adjust the focus until it’s as clear as possible.

Select large spot

Adjust to the appropriate light setting, selecting from different size, shape or colored filters. To start, set it on the largest white spot available to illuminate the whole area of view.

Instruct the patient

Ask your patient to keep their gaze over your shoulder; this helps you gain better entry into the retina.

Eye cup helps stabilize the scope

The eye cup helps keep the device stable and helps ensure the correct working distance. During use, make sure to compress against the patient’s brow, and explain to them that it will not touch their eye.

15 degrees and level

Position yourself about 12 inches away at a 15-degree angle on the temple side of the patient and level with the patient’s gaze.

Find the Red Reflex

Now, aim at the patient’s eye and look for the red retinal reflex. Slowly follow the red reflex toward the patient and into the pupil.

Steady the Scope

As you approach the patient, it can help to steady the scope.

Examine the Eye

Move in about 1″ from the patient or until the eye cup touches the patient. At this point, the optic disc and surrounding vessels should be visible. If you lose the image, pull back until you see the red reflex again, then start back in.