ophthalmoscope

Overview

Not to be confused with otoscope

An ophthalmoscope (or funduscope) is an instrument about the size of a small flashlight with several lenses that can magnify up to about 15 times. It is commonly paired with an otoscope in a doctor's office.

An ophthalmoscope is used to perform a procedure called an ophthalmoscopy, also called funduscopy, which is a test that allows a health professional to see inside the fundus of the eye.

Many ophthalmoscope used in doctors offices are wall-mounted while others are portable. Wall-mounted ophthalmoscope are attached by a flexible power cord to a base, which serves to hold the ophthalmoscope when it's not in use and also serves as a source of electric power, being plugged into an electric outlet. Portable models are powered by batteries in the handle; these batteries are usually rechargeable and can be recharged from a base unit. Ophthalmoscopes often sold with otoscopes as a diagnostic set.