Using Ocutech's Bioptic Prescribing Worksheet

Welcome to our presentation on using Ocutech’s Bioptic Prescribing Worksheet. We hope you will find this clinical assessment and prescribing guide helpful in your low vision practice.

A successful bioptic telescope prescription requires 4 general components. First that your patient has the appropriate goals for the use of the device- which are usually for seeing at distance and mid-range. Second, that their vision responds to telescopic magnification. Next, that they have or can develop the skills needed to use the device, and lastly that they are motivated to make the investment in time, effort, and finances to learn to use it and even to wear it in public.

Low vision experts find that their patients do most well when they can provide them with about 20/40 visual acuity through the device with a field of view of at least 10 degrees. Individuals are usually able to see everything they need to see when their visual acuity is 20/40 and can find what they’re looking for when the field of view is at least 10 degrees wide. Prescribing a higher power telescope to provide better visual acuity will be at the expense of a narrower field of view, which studies have shown, is the major concern of experienced bioptic users. So, as a result Galilean optical design telescopes can provide adequate fields of view up to about 3x power, while Keplerian optical design telescopes are generally preferred in powers 3x and above..

In consultation with experienced bioptic telescope prescribers, Ocutech has developed and tested this Prescribing Worksheet to help you determine a successful bioptic prescription. This presentation will take you step-by-step through the process with a discussion regarding the clinical reasoning at each decision point.
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