New year, new exam lane?
Whether you plan to launch your practice in 2022, or you have an established practice but your current exam lane is in desperate need of an overhaul, you always want to start with the basics.
A complete exam lane will have more than 20 different components, but this blog will focus on the key foundational pieces that should serve as a starting point when putting together an exam lane that is not only functional and efficient but also as comfortable as possible for you and your patients.
We've outlined the basics below and provided our top picks to help you design your dream lane.
Exam Chair, Stand & Stool
These three pieces of furniture will be the foundation of your exam lane. Since most exam rooms are small, choosing the right pieces is critical for both accessibility and space. You can choose to purchase these items separately or as a combo, depending on your budget. And because the exam room is where you will spend the majority of your day, you will also want to choose a comfortable stool.
Our top picks for comfort, durability, and ease of use are listed below. You can also find them in our convenient Exam Lane Packages.
S4Optik 2000 Combo Chair and Stand - Tilt
Reliance 520 Exam Chair & Stand Package (with Stool)
Reliance 520 Exam Chair and 7900 Instrument Stand Package (no Stool)
Reliance Tilt 520L Exam Chair
Reliance with Console 7900IC Stand
Reliance Pneumatic Stool with Backrest
Reliance FXM920L Manual Tilt Exam Chair
Reliance 540 Hydraulic Stool
Reliance 546 Hydraulic Stool with Backrest
Reliance 558 Hydraulic Stool with Adj. Armrests
Manual or Digital Refractor
While some eye care professionals still rely on manual refractors (phoropters), digital refraction systems are quickly becoming the equipment standard in modern-day ophthalmic practices. While they use the same methods, digital refractors offer far more functionality, and doctors report the following benefits:
- Increased efficiency (ability to see 2–6 more patients daily)
- Enhanced capabilities
- High return on investment
- Easy connectivity of equipment
- Improved accuracy, fewer mistakes
- Greater patient satisfaction (thanks to more one-on-one time with doctors)
- Reduced pain and discomfort (due to elimination of repetitive motion)
- Easy integration with EMR
Veatch top picks:
Veatch Manual Refractor (-) Cyl
Potec PDR-7000 Digital Refractor
Reichert SightChek Digital Refractor
Also check out our convenient Digital Refraction System packages here.
Slit Lamp
The slit lamp biomicroscope is a key component of your exam lane. This essential tool allows you to get a precisely lit, magnified, 3-D view of the outer and inner eye so you can spot injuries, complications, or signs of disease in your patients.
Below are our top slit lamp picks for superior illumination, durability, and affordability.
Veatch E200 Slit Lamp
Veatch Z500 5 Mag Slit Lamp
ReSeeVit 3Z Digital LED Slit Lamp
ReSeeVit 5Z Digital LED Slit Lamp
Haag-Streit BI 900 Slit Lamp
Haag-Streit BQ 900 Unit LED Slit Lamp
You can browse our full selection of slit lamp biomicroscopes here.
Visual Acuity System
Visual acuity testing is a critical component for diagnosing myopia in your patients. And thanks to automated projectors and cutting-edge computer software, modern doctors can test patients in any size room (instead of having them stand 20 feet from the eye chart) and are able to access dozens of different charts at the push of a button.
We have highlighted some of our favorite visual acuity systems below to fit any size practice or budget.
InSight Visual Acuity System
Potec PLC-8000 Visual Acuity System
Reichert ClearChart 4
View our full selection of visual acuity systems and accessories here.
Veatch Design Consultants Can Help with Efficient Space Planning
Did you know our design consultants can help you plan and put together your ideal practice?
At Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments, we use state-of-the-art technology to help you map out the most efficient arrangement and choose the right equipment, taking into account your specific needs, projected patient volume, potential for growth, and other factors to come up with the best solution for your needs and budget.
Whether you need design advice for a new office or you want to modernize your current exam lane(s) with the latest digital equipment, you can count on us.
Call Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments today at 800.447.7511 or contact us online.