Binocular indirect ophthalmoscope maintenance
Clinic equipment is a considerable investment, and you want to be assured that you are keeping patients and staff safe as well as prolonging the life of your apparatus. Regular care and maintenance should be an integral part of your practice regime to keep your Keeler binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO) kept in excellent condition. By establishing a simple end-of-clinic routine, you can achieve the maximum lifespan from your device. So how should you properly maintain your BIO?
Cleaning your BIO
Firstly, consider your own safety. Make sure that you disconnect the power lead before you undertake any cleaning. It may also be appropriate to wear personal protective equipment when cleaning clinical instruments - goggles, mask, gloves and apron. Anyone undertaking the cleaning of optical devices should have full training in order to avoid damage and reduce infection risk. This will ensure adequate decontamination, safety of the operator and will maintain the working life of the instrument. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for a more detailed explanation.
As standard, you should wipe the headband and all surfaces with a soft, non-shedding cloth and a mild detergent after use. The detergent concentration should be 2% by volume in de-ionised water. Alternatively, 70% isopropyl alcohol solution in water would be appropriate. Antimicrobial wipes that contain 70% isopropyl alcohol may also be used, and these are a convenient option for many practices. All wipes and materials should be discarded after use to reduce infection risk.
All of these methods will help with decontamination of the instrument, but you should avoid wiping the optical surfaces with detergent. The cloth should be damp, not wet, to ensure that there is no leakage into the instrument. Then dry with a lint-free non-shedding cloth. Under no circumstances should the instrument be immersed in liquid.
Additional maintenance involves the condensing lens, which can be cleaned using lens cleaner and a soft, lint-free lens cloth. This will ensure reduced infection risk whilst also protecting the optical surfaces from interference. For more detailed information on lens cleaning specifically, refer to our cleaning instructions.
If necessary, the headband cushions can be cleaned with soapy water (the top and front cushions can be removed for a deeper clean), but great care should be taken to ensure that the instrument does not get wet. There are no user-serviceable parts within the BIO, so any water ingress would require sending the device to Keeler to resolve the problem.
Battery charging
Another regular service issue to consider is battery charging and maintaining optimal life for your instrument. Batteries should be recharged after every day of use so that your device is ready to run at the next clinic session. This may not be necessary if your device is stored in the docking station as this will charge the BIO. The batteries are designed to be stored on the docking station so do not worry about over charging your BIO. If the device is not going to be used for a prolonged period of time, the batteries should be removed and carefully stored to prevent damage to the instrument.
Storing your BIO
When not in use, your BIO should be docked on it’s charging station, which can be hung on the wall for convenience. This will help to prolong the life of the instrument, prevent any damage, and keep the battery charged. The protective case with proper padding should always be utilised if the instrument is being transported or transferred between clinics. In all cases your BIO should be keep in a protected area where it will not be damaged or fall.
Contacting service
If any issues do develop with your instrument, Keeler service technicians are available to assist you with any queries promptly. Your issue may be addressed on the frequently asked questions page on our user support site. Please contact us to get in touch if you need further help.
A regular schedule of cleaning should be in place to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the device and to protect the well-being of the patient and doctor. By following the recommended manufacturer processes, the product warranty will be maintained. Regular maintenance will ensure that your Keeler BIO will continue to function optimally throughout your career.
