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Phoropter Training
Understanding refraction instruments
A phoropter (also called a refractor or phoroptor) is the primary instrument used to determine a patient's refractive error and prescribe corrective lenses. It contains a series of lenses that can be rotated into place to find the combination that provides the clearest vision.
- Houses hundreds of lens combinations
- Allows precise sphere, cylinder, and axis adjustments
- Includes prism capabilities
- Enables binocular balancing
- Used for both distance and near refraction
Why Opticians Should Know This
While opticians typically don't perform primary refractions, understanding the phoropter is essential for: verifying prescriptions, understanding how Rx values are derived, assisting during refractions, and in many countries where opticians can refract, this knowledge is critical for licensure.