Ophthalmoscopes are the medical devices used to detect eye disorders or detachment of retina in ophthalmoscopy tests

Used by physicians and other medical experts alike, ophthalmoscopes are tiny but powerful optical instruments enabling medical professionals to view the internal parts of a person's eye. Ophthalmoscopes are used for various ophthalmoscopy tests, which enable medical practitioners to view the inner portion of the eye and other internal parts of the eye like the iris, pupil and choroid. They have great optical power and are made up of various components including lenses, tubes and light generators. The main role of an ophthalmoscope is to provide vision to the user.

Different types of ophthalmoscopes exist such as reflex, refractive, non-refractive and bifocals. Reflex ophthalmoscopes use curved mirrors that project light to the eye through a tube in its middle. A portion of this tube may be bent over and bends the lens to allow light to pass through. Refractive ophthalmoscopes work by letting light bounce off from a flat surface, normally the cornea. Non-refractive and bifocal ophthalmoscopes use two different technologies that allow the user to shift between the two, either to address two different vision needs or to focus on one single vision requirement.

The types of ophthalmoscopes available include direct ophthalmoscope inventory, direct digital reading, indirect digital reading, hand-held, handheld, and computerized. Each type has its own features, advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand them before making a purchase. Most people make the mistake of purchasing an inappropriate instrument since they don't know what to look for.

Direct ophthalmoscopes, as their name suggests, direct light into a person's eyes, while hand-held, computerized, and indirect vision devices allow for a wider range of motion and are more convenient. Behind-the-neck (banked) ophthalmoscopes use a plastic, light- emitting diode (LED) behind the neck to provide illumination for the user. This is often the most appropriate choice for medical professionals who have vision impairments that are small to mild and who desire high levels of illumination. For instance, in June 2021, the U.S.-based medical device manufacturer, Hillrom, Inc., launched a new physical assessment device Welch Allyn® PanOptic™ Plus Ophthalmoscope to introduce the new treatment standards in diagnostic applications.