instrumental strategies
One Device, Three Functions
It's an autorefractor, keratometer and topographer in one.

GREGG OSSIP, O.D.

I was excited to evaluate the new Tomey RT-6000. With dimensions of 307 mm x 470 mm x 470 mm, the device fits in the same space as your original autorefractor. Because it's three instruments in one, it ends the musical chairs we play as we move the patient from autorefractor to keratometer to corneal topographer. Additionally, it's easy for your staff to operate and provides you with a great printout to evaluate the optics of your patients' eyes.

How it works

A new dual CCD technology allows fast and exact measurements that are close to the results of subjective methods, providing an accurate starting point. This precision is ensured by two specialized camera-chips with individual light paths for observation and measuring.

A short exam time (achieved using automatic fixation and measuring, as well as multi-averaging system) will pleasantly surprise you and your patient. With nearly 6,000 measurement points, you're guaranteed high resolution.

Unlike some topographers, the Tomey RT-6000 uses a small cone, thus eliminating the irritation of the cone hitting the patient's nose. It also provides a large measurement area (sphere ± 20.00D, cylinder ±8.00D, axis 0 to 180 degrees and corneal curvature measurement range 5.5 mm to 10.0 mm).

Tomey's RT-6000 saves both space and time.

Speaking from experience . . .

Here are some of the features I particularly liked about this combination instrument:

Contact lens software and simulation. I found the contact lens software easy to work with; it also allowed me to simulate flourescein patterns. I found this a great education tool, showing patients how contact lenses fit on their eyes. Tomey modifies the software as new designs come on the market.

Cataract and implant modes. The Tomey RT-6000 was designed to help you not only with younger patients, but also with the tough prescriptions for your older patients who have cataracts, or those that have implants following cataract surgery. It was great to have an accurate starting point for these patients rather than guessing.

Multi-diagnostic printouts. The Tomey RT-6000 provides a tremendous amount of diagnostic information quickly and efficiently. The topography printouts show height maps, astigmatic information and contact lens fitting information that you can use to determine the best fit. In a time when patients are always questioning your professional fitting fees, I believe that you can not only justify your diagnostic fees but also probably increase them.

The Tomey RT-6000 also provides an accurate measurement of the patient's pupillary distance, which aids in the accuracy of her new glasses. And the internal thermal printout not only prints the refractive information, but topographical information as well. These data are also helpful with patient education.

Don't miss out

If you're in the market for a new autorefractor, keratometer or corneal topographer, then evaluate the new Tomey RT-6000 combo unit. I think you'll find that the Tomey triple-action unit provides you with a space-saving, efficient device that offers accurate data. For more information, contact Tomey at (888) 449-4045 or www.tomeyusa.com.

DR. OSSIP IS IN GROUP PRACTICE IN INDIANAPOLIS. HE'S LECTURED EXTENSIVELY AND HAS WRITTEN NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON PRACTICE MANAGEMENT. YOU CAN REACH HIM BY E-MAIL AT GOSSIP2020@AOL.COM.