Manufacture and use of home made ophthalmoscopes: a 150th anniversary tribute to Helmholtz

OBJECTIVE: To produce a simple, effective, and inexpensive training ophthalmoscope. DESIGN: Case study. SETTING: A coffee table in a sitting room and an eye clinic. PARTICIPANTS: 10 friends and relatives, several patients, and a cooperative Persian cat. INTERVENTIONS: Direct ophthalmoscopy with instrument made with easily available material and tools from art and office equipment shops. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficiency, clarity of view, and price of ophthalmoscope. RESULTS: The instrument was readily made; of the 50 manufactured two thirds gave a good view; and each cost less than £1 to make. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmoscope is fun to make, works well, and anyone can make one.