Name/Title
Original Helmholtz OphthalmoscopeEntry/Object ID
1Description
The Helmholtz ophthalmoscope was produced by several manufacturers, and its design evolved over time. This model, with its long thin handle, is from the second phase of the instrument’s production. Of all its variations, there are approximately 100 Helmholtz ophthalmoscopes left.
To view the back of the eye, the light is reflected by thin, superimposed plates of glass. These are fastened by a prism-shaped metal frame to the front circular plate, so the reflecting surface is at a 65° angle. This prism-shaped frame would be rotated towards the source of light. Early users of the Helmholtz ophthalmoscope used the light of a candle as a light source. In the compartment of the hollow cylinder, immediately below the front plate, lenses of different classifications were used. Doctors could only use the Helmholtz ophthalmoscope for direct ophthalmoscopy, which showed the central retina in an upright, unreversed image.Material
Metal, Wood, GlassRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Hermann von HelmholtzNotes
InventorProvenance
Notes
Donated by Jenkel-Davidson Optical Company after being found in their "junk box".
