Refraction Units
A refraction unit is the combination workstation at the heart of every exam lane, tying the patient chair, the instrument stand and tables, and the counterbalanced phoropter arm into one coordinated station. From it, the doctor runs subjective refraction with the phoropter while keeping the chart projector, auto-refractor, lensmeter and slit lamp within arm's reach. Because the chair, table and arm all move together, a well-built refraction unit sets the ergonomics, patient flow and daily comfort of the entire lane, which is why it is one of the most consequential purchases in outfitting a new room.
At US Ophthalmic we build the exam lane around the Visionare (VS) refraction unit line, from the fully motorized, flagship Milano to dependable Verona and Venezia configurations. Every unit is backed by our in-house technical and spare-parts department and full US warranty and service, so the platform you install stays supported, serviceable and productive for years, not just on delivery day. Whether you are opening a new lane or replacing an aging chair-and-stand, our team helps you spec the right refraction unit and instruments for your practice.
How to choose a refraction unit
- Manual vs. motorized: Decide how much of the lane should move under power. Motorized units raise and lower the table and chair, position the phoropter arm, and on models with the LiftBoy system auto-level the table between instruments for faster, smoother exams, at a higher price than manual or pneumatic-assist stands.
- Instrument capacity and tabletop: Confirm how many instruments the table must carry and how it presents them. Some units hold two instruments on a sliding top, while others carry up to three on a rotating table with weight ratings sized for heavier auto-refractors and combination instruments.
- Patient comfort and ADA access: Look at chair recline, armrests and footrests, and whether the chair is removable from its base plate for wheelchair-accessible exams. Comfortable, accessible seating matters for long refractions and for meeting accessibility expectations.
- Lane layout and handedness: Match the unit to your room and workflow: its footprint, and a left- or right-handed operator configuration so the controls and phoropter arm fall naturally to the doctor's working side.
- Controls, lighting and projector integration: Check how the unit drives the rest of the lane. An electronic control panel that powers the chart projector and instruments, dimmable LED overhead lighting, and foot or touchpad controls keep the exam moving without the doctor reaching away from the patient.
- Service, warranty and spare parts: A refraction unit is a long-term investment, so weigh build quality and, just as important, who stands behind it. US-based warranty, in-house service and ready access to spare parts protect uptime far better than an unsupported import.
The Visionare (VS) line
Our refraction units come from the Visionare (VS) line, spanning fully motorized flagship lanes to dependable everyday workstations. A few representative models:
| Model | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Milano | Fully motorized flagship unit, top of the Visionare line | Practices that want the most premium, fully automated European exam lane |
| VS - Portofino | Fully motorized, holds up to three instruments with LiftBoy auto-leveling | Higher-volume lanes needing extra instrument capacity and motorized flexibility |
| VS - Verona Suprema | Feature-rich unit with expanded customization options | Buyers who want the Verona platform with added finishes and configuration choices |
| VS - Genova | Motorized, ergonomics-focused unit with the LiftBoy system | Lanes prioritizing patient comfort and quick instrument changeovers |
| VS - Venezia | Complete all-in-one refraction system | A full-featured standard exam lane |
| VS - Verona | European-built standard refraction unit | A clean, dependable mid-tier lane |
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a refraction unit, and what comes with it? A refraction unit is the combination of an adjustable patient chair, an instrument stand and table, and a phoropter arm support, the platform that holds and coordinates your refraction instruments. The diagnostic instruments themselves, such as the phoropter, chart projector, auto-refractor and slit lamp, are usually specified separately so the lane can be configured to your practice. Request a quote and we will help you build the right combination.
Do I need a fully motorized unit, or is a manual one enough? It depends on volume and preference. Motorized table, chair and phoropter-arm movement, plus LiftBoy auto-leveling on premium models, speed up high-throughput lanes and reduce doctor fatigue. A manual or lighter-motorized unit can be the right call for a lower-volume lane or a tighter budget. We carry both across the Visionare line.
Can a refraction unit accommodate wheelchair patients? Yes. Several Visionare units feature a chair that removes from its base plate so a patient can be examined in their own wheelchair, along with reclining and rotating chair movement for easier positioning. Tell us if ADA-accessible exams are a priority and we will point you to the right configuration.
Should I buy new or consider refurbished? A new unit gives you the full warranty, the latest chair-and-stand design, and the longest service life, while a quality refurbished unit can lower upfront cost. Either way, what protects the investment is US-based support: US Ophthalmic backs the equipment we sell with our in-house technical and spare-parts department and full US warranty and service.
Do you service these units and stock replacement parts? Yes. Refraction units are meant to run for years, and our in-house technical and spare-parts department supports the Visionare line with US warranty, service and replacement parts, so a motor, control panel or arm issue down the road does not sideline your lane.
