I do know you probably do not autoclave your equipment like a dentist, so how do you prevent transmission of viruses, bacteria from one patient to the next? What is your best practice code for cleaning? Only optometrists and ophthalmologistss reply please.
To Pennybar....I did not think that they did not sterilize their equipment, I was simply asking HOW it is done. Be nice.
Popper74
Favorite Answer
Most equipment is wiped down with alcohol. Like many have mentioned, most equipment at the eye doctor does not come into direct contact with your eyes, or even most of your skin. The chin pads have tissues that are thrown away, and for the objects that do touch your eye, such as a tonometer, those have disposable covers that are only used once and then discarded.
Erika
Optometrist Equipment
Anonymous
Eye Exam Equipment
pennybarr
If an optometrist or ophthalmologist is using instruments or equipment on multiple patients you can be sure that they do have an autoclave or other type of sterilizer. Certain instruments cannot be subjected to the heat or pressure of an autoclave and there are other types of sterilizers that are available that work just as well if not better. If your referring to chin rests attached to certain equipment, it is cleaned with alcohol or the paper is changed in between patients, just like your medical doctor changes the paper on his exam table/bed. Sorry I'm not an optometrist or ophthalmologist but I worked with ophthalmologists for almost 20 years. Where did you get this screwy idea that eye specialists don't sterilize their reusable instruments and equipment?
Edit: Sorry, did not mean to insult you.
Anonymous
Ok i am going to tell the truth, i am neither an ophthalmologist or an optometrist but i have a good understanding of how all this works.
They use antiseptic to clean all the machinery with antiseptic wipes to finish it off, they do not need to be that strong because they do not touch your eyes while examining them, the only risky part is when they dilate your pupils, but the eye drops will be clean anyway.
This is not as bad as the dentist who actually touches your teeth and your mouth.
Good luck