Occluders for Eye Exams & Vision Testing
An occluder is one of the most-used handheld tools in any exam lane: a simple paddle that blocks or blurs one eye so the clinician can isolate and measure the other during visual acuity testing and refraction. Despite how basic they look, occluders do real diagnostic work. A solid, opaque occluder cleanly separates each eye for monocular acuity and cover testing, while a pinhole occluder helps distinguish reduced vision caused by refractive error, which typically improves when the patient views through the pinhole, from vision loss caused by pathology, which does not. Because they are inexpensive and touched at nearly every visit, most practices keep several occluders per lane and standardize on one or two dependable models.
At US Ophthalmic we supply occluders as part of a full ophthalmic and optometric equipment catalog, from handheld diagnostics through lane instruments and our own EZER line, all backed by our in-house technical and spare-parts department and US-based warranty and service. Choosing the right occluder configuration up front keeps screenings fast and results consistent across every chair. Below is how to think through the options, followed by the occluder models we carry.
How to choose an occluder
- Solid occlusion vs. pinhole: Decide the clinical job first. A solid occluder fully blocks one eye for monocular acuity and cover testing; a pinhole occluder is used to check whether reduced acuity is refractive in origin. Many lanes keep both on hand rather than choosing one.
- Opaque vs. translucent: An opaque occluder gives a complete block, while a translucent (fogging) occluder blurs the eye without fully covering it, which is useful for controlling fixation in pediatric and strabismus testing. Some models are offered in both finishes so you can standardize by task.
- Single vs. multiple pinhole: If you want a pinhole tool, a single well-centered 1 mm aperture is best for a deliberate refraction check, whereas a multi-pinhole array is faster and more forgiving with less cooperative patients or quick screenings.
- Ergonomics and durability: Handle length, paddle diameter, and grip determine how comfortable an occluder is over a full clinic day. A smooth, non-porous face and a rigid handle hold up to constant handling and repeated cleaning.
- Cleaning and infection control: Occluders are patient-contact tools, so choose a reusable model with a wipeable, disinfectant-tolerant surface that fits your between-patient cleaning protocol.
- Combination features: For orthoptic and muscle-balance workups, combination occluders add a Maddox rod, red filter, or fixation targets. If your practice does phoria and binocular testing, factor that in; for routine acuity screening a plain occluder is all you need.
Occluder models we carry
Our current occluders are dependable solid handheld paddles suited to everyday acuity testing and refraction across optometry and ophthalmology lanes. Both are stocked as standard exam-lane tools and backed by US Ophthalmic service and support.
| Model | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| CPA-102 | Solid handheld occluder, offered in black or translucent | Practices that want a choice between full opaque occlusion and a translucent fogging finish for pediatric or fixation-controlled testing |
| CT4712A | Solid black hand occluder | Standard opaque occlusion for routine monocular acuity and cover testing in busy screening and refraction lanes |
Frequently asked questions
What is an eye occluder used for? An occluder blocks or blurs one eye so the clinician can test the other. It is used for monocular visual acuity measurement, cover testing, and, in pinhole form, to check whether reduced vision improves with a pinhole, which helps distinguish refractive error from other causes of vision loss.
What is the difference between a solid occluder and a pinhole occluder? A solid occluder fully covers one eye to isolate the other for acuity and cover testing. A pinhole occluder has one or more small apertures that limit light to the center of the lens, temporarily removing the effect of refractive error; if acuity improves through the pinhole, the reduced vision is likely refractive. Many practices keep both types available.
What is the difference between black (opaque) and translucent occluders? A black opaque occluder completely blocks vision in the covered eye. A translucent occluder blurs and fogs the eye instead of fully covering it, which is helpful for controlling fixation in pediatric exams and strabismus or binocular testing. The CPA-102 is offered in both finishes.
Are these occluders reusable, and how are they cleaned? Yes. These are reusable handheld occluders with smooth, non-porous surfaces intended for wipe-down disinfection between patients. Follow your practice's standard infection-control protocol and the disinfectant guidance for the material.
Do you offer combination occluders with a Maddox rod or red filter? Our stocked models are solid handheld occluders for routine acuity and refraction. If your practice needs a combination occluder with a Maddox rod, red filter, or fixation targets for orthoptic and muscle-balance testing, contact us or request a quote and we can advise on the right configuration.
