• Universitat de València (50%)
• Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg (50%)

• Sara Ferrer Altabás
• Daniel Sauter
• Hans Zappe

The fundamental task of the optician-optometrist is to obtain a suitable optical prescription for each user. For this purpose, the most widespread devices currently used in optometric cabinets are lensmeters, which can be manual or automatic.

In conventional manual lensmeters, it is the observer who manually acts on the adjustable dioptric power wheel. This procedure can present a number of problems as it is a completely manual process, such as possible confusion when annotating the orientation of the measured meridians, its high subjectivity and average time, as well as the dependence of the result on the observer's ametropia and, therefore, less precision.

Automatic lensmeters are based on significantly more complex technologies, using wave sensors, aberrometers, etc., and consequently have a higher economic cost than manual versions, which are larger and less portable.

Therefore, there is a need to develop new solutions for determining aberrations or measuring optical characteristics in optical and ophthalmic lenses that avoid the high influence of the professional handling the device, that are smaller than current options and that increase their accuracy without increasing their complexity and cost.

Researchers of the University of Valencia have developed a new device and method for the determination of optical characteristics in optical and ophthalmic lenses, which reduces the influence of the professional who handles the device, which is smaller, more portable, more accurate in its determination and less expensive than the current devices on the market.  

The solution comprises a variable focus optical unit, such as a tunable liquid or opto-fluidic lens, and the complete system consisting of the following elements: an illumination source, an object system, a support medium, a variable focus optical unit and an image capture system.

This device can be used in contact lenses as well as in spectacles or other compensation solutions.

The developed invention is applicable in the field of optics and optometry, mainly. To this end, it is primarily aimed at both manufacturers of optometric instrumentation and manufacturers of ophthalmic lenses.

This invention has the following advantages:

1. Reduced dimensions and greater portability.
2. Ease of use of the device.
3. Significant reduction of error by the professional.
4. Increased precision in the determination of ophthalmic characteristics.

• Patent granted