Automated ophthalmic refractometer

An automated ophthalmic refractometer is an electrically powered device used by eye care professionals to objectively measure how light focuses on the retina, identifying refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. It works by projecting light into the eye and analyzing the reflected light to determine sphere, cylinder, axis, and sometimes higher-order aberrations, providing data in diopters to guide vision correction prescriptions.

Devices in this category are intended for use by trained healthcare providers in clinical settings and are typically supplied as standalone instruments requiring periodic calibration and maintenance. They are regulated as medical devices based on their intended use and functionality, with classification depending on the jurisdiction and specific design features, but they do not contain medications and are not intended for self-use by patients.