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Optometric Physician

Phoropter

If, during an eye examination, your doctor has discovered a vision problem like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, it’s likely that one of the next steps you’ll take will involve a phoropter. A phoropter is special machine used to switch multiple lenses in front of your eyes to correct your vision.

Phoropters look imposing—like space-age visors—but are really an ingenious way to quickly determine the exact vision correction needed by your individual eyes.

By having you look through the phoropter at a visual reference, image, or the “Big E” chart (the Snellen chart), your eye doctor will help guide you toward lenses that correct your vision impairment by switching lenses within the machine on the fly.

How does a phoropter work?

The process of switching lenses in front of your eyes is less involved than it may look, given the imposing nature of the device. A phoropter is used to manually determine “refraction”—exactly how a lens must be shaped and curved to correct your vision to a normal state, nothing more.

Phoropters are subjective however, based on your visual perception and response to your eye doctor’s questions. Is your vision better, or worse? With this lens, or this lens? How about now?

There are other procedures and technologies available that automatically measure the refraction needed within your eye and produce a “prescription” measurement without your input. These are called autorefractors and aberrometers.

 

Special thanks to the EyeGlass Guide, for informational material that aided in the creation of this website. Visit the EyeGlass Guide today!

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We Are Moving! Read Full Post Here…

In April 2023 my practice will move to join Eugene Eye Care Associates. I will be seeing patients in our new location at 992 Country Club Road, Suite 101. The phone number is 541-687-1715. While my 18th and Hilyard office is closing, our 541-485-2020 phone number will remain active to assist you in this transition.

For an appointment at our location in South Lane County, please call Advanced Eye Care, 315 Pacific Highway in Cottage Grove at 541-942-0176. I will be working with a team of talented ophthalmologists and optometrists who provide the full scope of comprehensive eye care, medical, surgical and refractive. Thank you for the trust you have put in us over the years. We hope to see you at our new location.

Dr. Tim Arbow and Staff