[Further development of a streak retinoscope with calibrated collimator]

Development and rationale of a new streak retinoscope have been discussed in an earlier paper. In contrast to classical retinoscopy this retinoscope determines the refraction by forming the narrowest streak in the test person's pupil with a calibrated collimator. In addition to the first prototype the extension of the lamp according to variation of the refraction is measured electronically and the data are transposed into a computer. This allows to freely choose a working distance in a range from about 30 to 120 cm and therefore it is possible to examine restless patients. Accuracy of the measurement was less than or equal to 0.25 D for Ametropia from -0.5 to 5.0 D in a working distance of 30 cm or from -4.0 to -1.5 D in 100 cm. In most persons it is not necessary to use additional glasses during refraction by choosing the adequate distance. Therefore this method can help to refract kids and other persons which could not be refracted by use of glasses. In addition this method excludes the accommodation of the patient as apposed to regular refractometers.