Mobile Ophthalmic Unit

Abstract

A mobile ophthalmic unit is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of the following components: a phoropter on an adjustable arm, an extendable slit lamp, an ophthalmoscope with controller, desktop or a laptop computer (or both) with or without a detachable screen or a tablet computer, a WiFi router and an internet hotspot. All of the aforementioned components are connected to a mobile desk having locking caster wheels. An object of the invention is to allow an eye care specialist to visit patients in the field and perform routine eye exams remotely rather than requiring patients to travel in order to obtain eye care. For example, the ophthalmologist can easily roll the apparatus into a cargo van and drive to an underserved population and deliver eye exams where no such facilities exist—thereby enhancing eye care for a community.

Claims

1. A mobile ophthalmic unit comprised of the following parts: a) ophthalmic equipment for treating patients; b) a desk for supporting ophthalmic equipment; c) locking caster wheels for moving ophthalmic equipment; d) metal strips for securing peripheral equipment; and e) anchor devices for securing ophthalmic equipment to a wall.

2. The mobile ophthalmic unit of claim 1 wherein the equipment for treating patients including phoropter on an adjustable arm, an extendable slit lamp, an ophthalmoscope with controller, laptop computer with a detachable screen, a WiFi router and an internet hotspot.

3. The mobile ophthalmic unit of claim 1 wherein the desk for supporting ophthalmic equipment includes a slit lamp shelf 13 that is selectively extendable and retractable rails.

4. The mobile ophthalmic unit of claim 1 wherein the anchor devices are adjustable.

5. A method for performing on-site eye exams. The method comprised of the following steps: a) securing ophthalmic equipment; b) installing the mobile ophthalmic unit in a vehicle; c) securing the mobile ophthalmic unit to a wall; and d) adjusting ophthalmic equipment for a patient.

6. The method for performing on-site eye exams wherein the securing ophthalmic equipment includes installing the ophthalmic equipment to the desk using the metal strips of claim 1.

7. The method for performing on-site eye exams wherein the installing the mobile ophthalmic unit in a vehicle is performed using the locking caster wheels of claim 1.

8. The method for performing on-site eye exams wherein the securing the mobile ophthalmic unit to a wall is performed using the anchor devices of claim 1.

9. The method for performing on-site eye exams wherein the adjusting ophthalmic equipment for a patient includes extending the slit lamp shelf of claim 3.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] FIG. 1 showing a front perspective view of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 a front perspective view of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 showing a side perspective view of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 showing a preferred embodiment of the ophthalmic unit 1 comprised of a conventional desk configured to receive equipment such as but not limited to laptop 2, equipment controller 3, slit lamp 4, ophthalmoscope 5, phoropter 7, phoropter post 6, computer 10, printer, and having locking caster wheels 12. The apparatus having slit lamp shelf 13 with extendable and retractable rails on two sides allowing said slit lamp 5 to be positioned in place for a patient sitting in chair 8. Said slit lamp shelf 13 also having a locking mechanism to keep it extended or retracted such as but not limited to wing screws, cam levers etc. FIG. 3 showing ophthalmic unit 1 being selectively affixed to a wall by means of an adjustable anchor device 14 such as but not limited to ball latch clamps, toggle clamps, lead screws, fasteners, etc. The propter post 6 being selectively affixed to the ophthalmic unit 1 by means of but not limited to a fixture 9 comprised of but not limited to compression clamps, swivel clamps being bolted to H-shaped braces, plates and the like. Other peripheral equipment can be stored on ophthalmic unit including but not limited to a laptop computer with a detachable screen, a WiFi router and an internet hotspot and affixed to ophthalmic unit by means of metal strips.

[0015] It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in any manner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.