Slit Lamp Accessories: Tonometer, Lenses and Mounting
A slit lamp on its own examines the front of the eye. What it can do beyond that depends entirely on what you attach to it — and those attachments are the line items most often missing from a first order. This guide covers the ecosystem around the instrument.
If you are still choosing the slit lamp itself, start with choosing a slit lamp. This post assumes that decision is made.
The slit lamp is a platform
The slit lamp pairs a binocular microscope with an adjustable slit beam. It is also the mounting platform for tonometry, for angle assessment, and — with hand-held lenses — for fundus examination. Each of those needs a specific part.
1. Tonometry
An applanation tonometer mounts to the slit lamp for intraocular pressure measurement with the patient seated at the instrument.
- Confirm the mount type. Mounts are not universal — this is the most common mismatch.
- Ask how many prisms are included and whether spares are available.
- If the clinic also does field work, a Schiotz tonometer covers the power-free case; see Schiotz vs applanation.
2. Angle assessment
A gonioscope lens lets the examiner view the anterior chamber angle at the slit lamp.
- Single or multi-mirror — specify which your clinicians prefer.
- Confirm which slit lamp it will be used with, and ask for the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance.
3. Fundus examination
An aspherical condensing lens is used at the slit lamp for fundus examination, and the same lenses serve a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope.
- Stock more than one dioptre power — they trade field of view against magnification.
- Confirm the anti-reflective coating on the quote.
4. Laser work
An Abraham YAG laser lens is used during Nd:YAG procedures. Confirm compatibility with both the laser and the slit lamp before ordering.
5. What it stands on
Easy to forget, and it stops the instrument being usable on day one:
- A motorized instruments table for height adjustment, or
- An ophthalmic refraction chair unit, which carries the slit lamp and the patient together as one examination station.
List the instruments the table must carry when you enquire, so the top size and load are right.
A complete first order
| Item | Why it’s on the list |
|---|---|
| Slit lamp | The platform |
| Table or chair unit | It has to stand on something |
| Applanation tonometer + mount | Pressure measurement |
| Gonioscope lens | Angle assessment |
| Aspherical lens | Fundus examination |
| Spare bulbs / light source parts | The first thing to fail |
Distributors: quoting this as a package rather than a bare instrument tends to win the order, because it is what the clinic actually needs to open the room.
Source direct
Optolab Zone manufactures and exports slit lamps, their attachments and the full ophthalmic range. Tell us the configuration and destination and we’ll quote with export terms. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp.