The Phoropter Arm: What to Compare
The phoropter arm — also called the swing arm or refractor arm — holds the phoropter in front of the patient’s eyes during the subjective refraction and swings it out of the way afterwards. On a refraction unit it is mounted on the stand or column.
Arms differ in how far they lift, how they are moved, and how far they tilt and rotate. Those figures decide whether the phoropter reaches the patient’s eye level comfortably across the range of seat heights you will use.
The phoropter itself is a separate instrument and is not part of the furniture supply unless a quotation states otherwise.
Five figures to check.
1. Vertical lift travel
How far the arm moves up and down. More travel covers a wider range of patient heights without moving the chair.
2. Height range
Where that travel sits — given either as the arm’s height from the floor or above the tabletop. Compare it with the seat height range of the chair.
3. How it moves
Powered lift (motor or screw drive) or manual positioning. Powered lift is repeatable; a manual arm is simpler and has fewer parts.
4. Tilt and rotation
Up-and-down tilt and horizontal swing let the phoropter be aligned and parked. Check the swing clearance against walls and the second instrument.
5. Slide travel
Some arms also slide sideways or forwards, which helps when two practitioners or two instruments share one unit.
Arm figures across our units, as specified.
| Model | Arm specification |
|---|---|
| HRT-1A | 400 mm lift travel |
| HRT-3 | 150 mm lift travel, 400 mm slide travel |
| C-3 | 300 mm lift travel, screw-driven powered lift |
| C-800 | 200 mm lift travel |
| MI-180 | 190 mm lift travel |
| MI-5500A | 150 mm lift travel, moves left and right |
| TG-1100A | 150 mm lift travel |
| LY-177 | 120 mm vertical travel; 570–740 mm above the tabletop |
| LY-300, LY-700 | 555–675 mm above the tabletop |
| C-10A | 1300–1550 mm height range |
| C-12 | 1260–1610 mm height range |
| LY-500 | Manual multi-angle arm; ±25° tilt, 0–100° horizontal rotation |
| TR-900, TR-500A, TR-510 | ±30° vertical adjustment |
Figures are reproduced as each model’s specification gives them; where a figure is not listed, ask us before you rely on it.
What to tell us about your phoropter.
Arm capacity and the mounting interface depend on the phoropter, so send us the make, model and weight of the phoropter you will use, manual or automated. For an automated phoropter, mention the control unit and where its cable has to run.
If the room is narrow, give us the distance from the unit to the nearest wall on the side the arm swings to. The room layout guide explains the other clearances.
Questions about phoropter arms.
What is a phoropter arm?
It is the arm on a refraction unit that holds the phoropter in front of the patient’s eyes and swings it away when it is not in use. It is also called a swing arm or refractor arm.
How much vertical travel does a phoropter arm have?
Across our units, as specified, lift travel runs from 120 mm (LY-177) to 400 mm (HRT-1A); C-3 has 300 mm with a screw-driven powered lift.
Is the phoropter included with the arm?
No. The arm is part of the furniture; the phoropter is a separate instrument and is not included unless the quotation says so.
Can a phoropter arm be fitted to a separate instrument table?
Our instrument tables are not specified with a phoropter arm. If you need an arm, a combined refraction unit is the usual choice; tell us your instrument list and room and we will suggest one.
Tell us which phoropter you use.
Send the phoropter model and your room dimensions. We reply with the units whose arm suits it, a lead time and a quotation.