Potential Acuity on a Shoestring

Abstract

The pre-operative determination of retinal function, “potential acuity”, is assuming an increasingly important role in ophthalmic care under the joint pressures of maximizing visual function while minimizing health care costs. Quantitative potential acuity is obviously the most desirable approach but it can also be the most expensive. This communication introduces an inexpensive qualitative technique for measuring subjective potential acuity, and describes its use. Required are: optometrist’s penlight, some tin foil, a pin, a paper hole punch, and good communication with the patient.