Evolving vision for refractive care

New Product Focus By Cheryl Guttman Krader

Oakland, NJ-The new KR-800 Auto Kerato-Refractometer (Topcon Medical Systems) builds on established technology with new features and an enhanced design that increases ease of use and office integration.

“This latest generation of auto refractors retains Topcon’s proven rotary prism technology known to deliver dependably accurate keratometric and refraction measurements,” said David Biggins, senior product manager-refraction, Topcon Medical Systems, Oakland, NJ.

“However, the system has been rebuilt into a smaller footprint with an improved user interface, a new motorized joystick mechanism, and expanded options for automated data transfer to electronic medical records (EMRs),” Biggins added.

The new KR-800 Auto Kerato-Refractometer is designed to increase ease of use and office integration. (Image courtesy of Topcon Medical Systems)

A new, 8.5-inch color touchscreen panel replaces the old black-and-white display found on previous Topcon Auto Kerato-Refractometers. The new LCD screen provides the operator with a broader array of information as it fully displays the refractive and keratometry readings for both eyes and the number of measurements taken.

“The easy-to-read icons on the touchscreen display also give the operator improved control of the unit during the measurement process,” Biggins said.

The KR-800 uses the same fixation target as its predecessor that limits accommodation to increase the accuracy of the reading. However, the new model also allows the operator to adjust the length of fogging time in order to overcome accommodation in younger patients.

A new motorized mechanism makes joystick operation easier, quieter, and more responsive than the previous design. With its new electronics, the KR-800 is also more compact and about 23% lighter than its predecessor, which makes alignment smoother and easier.

“The improved measuring process of the KR-800 allows for stable, accurate results, and the new ergonomic design affords operators a better view of the patient so they can more readily detect facial movements that can influence the measurements,” Biggins said.

Like its predecessor, the new KR-800 features a serial port (RS-232). A new feature with the KR-800 is LAN connectivity that allows for direct integration with other Topcon instruments, including the CV-5000S Automated Vision Tester, or with the office network, allowing incorporation of the data into the patient’s EMR.

Users can also purchase an optional Bluetooth module if they desire a wireless connection.

In addition, the KR-800 has a built-in, easy-to-load printer that allows users to print measurement results.

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