Manufacture and use of home made ophthalmoscopes: a 150th anniversary tribute to Helmholtz.
OBJECTIVE
To produce a simple, effective, and inexpensive training ophthalmoscope.


METHODS
Case study.


METHODS
A coffee table in a sitting room and an eye clinic.


METHODS
10 friends and relatives, several patients, and a cooperative Persian cat.


METHODS
Direct ophthalmoscopy with instrument made with easily available material and tools from art and office equipment shops.


METHODS
Efficiency, clarity of view, and price of ophthalmoscope.


RESULTS
The instrument was readily made; of the 50 manufactured two thirds gave a good view; and each cost less than pound1 to make.


CONCLUSIONS
The ophthalmoscope is fun to make, works well, and anyone can make one.
Armour
R H
RH
Department of Surgery, Lister Hospital, Stevenage SG1 4AB.
D004867:Equipment Design; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D019721:Ophthalmoscopes / Q000266:history / Q000592:standards