11L23 - S22 Magnetic Stick Prism Set
Gulden Ophthalmics has invented, introduced, and filed patents for magnetically attachable handles for ophthalmic and other medical devices. The handles permit much easier and less cumbersome countertop storage, transport, and use than devices with permanently attached handles. Initially, the handles are available for Guldens prism sets used during vision exams with patients. Each prism has two different attachment points for attaching the handles, making them extremely versatile, easier to orient in front of the patients eyes, and less likely to obstruct the patients vision while testing. The prism diopters included in the S-22 set are 1/2,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,14,16,18,20,25,30,35,40,45,50
Handles on prisms provide better control and less rotation, making them much faster, more precise, cleaner (less fingerprints on the prism) with less fumbling in use when examining patients than prisms without handles. However, having permanently attached handles built onto devices as with stick prism sets, for example makes them unwieldy to store and transport. Prism sets are usually located in a convenient place in the exam room; their more compact nature with the detachable handles means they occupy far less exam counter space and can more easily be moved from exam room to exam room. Since devices like prisms are often used when eye care professionals examine patients off site such as at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and clinics the magnetically attachable handles make prism sets easier to transport and more apt to be including with the eye care professionals kit.
The magnetically attachable handles are fast and simple to attach and detach. Strong rare earth magnets hold the devices firmly on the handles, yet are easy to remove. Professionals can easily and rapidly attach and detach a series of prisms when working with patients to determine the best prism correction.
As fabricated for use, magnets are embedded in the ophthalmic device and in the handle. Handles can be constructed of plastic, wood, metal, glass, or other materials and can take the shape of a shaft, stem, grip, holder, etc. As designed, the newly introduced handles are strong, secure, and ergonomically comfortable to grasp and hold.
The patent in process will cover magnetically attachable handles for any device. In the future, handles can be developed for magnifiers, occluders, flippers, fixation sticks, brushes, or any other similar medical device where a handle is beneficial, yet cumbersome when permanently attached.