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Phoropter

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 22, 2007

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Phoropter

A phoropter looks like a giant eye mask with lots of knobs.

Troy Bedinghaus
A phoropter (or phoroptor) is an instrument used during an eye examination to measure refractive error and determine eyeglass prescriptions. Typically, the patient sits behind the phoropter, and looks through it at an eye chart. The optometrist then changes lenses and other settings, while asking the patient for feedback on which settings give the best vision.
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