Slit Lamps for Eye Care Practices
A slit lamp, or slit lamp biomicroscope, is the workhorse of the anterior segment exam: a binocular stereo microscope paired with an adjustable slit of light, used to examine the lids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, iris and lens in optical section and, with an auxiliary lens, the posterior segment. Many models also accept a Goldmann-type applanation tonometer and a camera, so the same instrument can cover measurement and documentation.
This page brings together every slit lamp US Ophthalmic offers in the US: table-top slit lamp microscopes for the exam lane, including our Ezer ESL and Emerald ranges, and portable hand-held slit lamps for bedside, nursing-home, pediatric and outreach exams. US Ophthalmic is a US provider of ophthalmic equipment; we manufacture the Ezer line and back it with an in-house technical department and spare-parts stock. Pricing is by quote: tell us how your lanes are set up and we will recommend a configuration.
How to choose a slit lamp
- Table-top or portable: A table-top slit lamp mounts on an instrument table or refraction unit and gives the steadiest image for routine exams. A portable slit lamp trades some stability and features for the ability to examine patients who cannot sit at the lane.
- Optical design: Galilean (converging) systems use a magnification drum and give a wide, flat field; Greenough-type systems use two separate optical paths. Compare the design and the number of magnification steps (commonly 2-, 3- or 5-step) against how much detail work you do.
- Illumination: LED illumination runs cooler and needs fewer bulb changes than halogen. Check the slit width and height ranges, the filters (cobalt blue, red-free, heat-absorbing) and how brightness is controlled.
- Imaging: If you document findings or teach, look for a beam splitter or camera adapter and confirm the capture software fits your EMR workflow.
- Tonometer mount: If you measure IOP at the slit lamp, confirm which applanation tonometer mounts fit (R-type fixed or T-type removable) before you order.
- Service and parts: Ask who services the lamp in the US, how bulbs and spare parts are supplied, and what the US warranty covers.
Browse slit lamps by type
Use the table to find the group that fits your practice, then open that category for model details.
| Type | Best for | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Table-top slit lamp microscopes | Routine anterior segment exams in a fixed lane | Conventional Slit Lamps |
| Ezer Emerald line | Practices that want a matched slit lamp, tonometer and imaging upgrade path | Emerald Line |
| Portable and hand-held slit lamps | Bedside, nursing-home, pediatric and outreach exams | Portable Slit Lamps |
| Slit lamp tonometers | Measuring IOP at the slit lamp during the same exam | Applanation Tonometers |
Frequently asked questions
What is a slit lamp used for? It gives a magnified, stereoscopic view of the front of the eye under a controllable slit of light, and with an auxiliary lens it is also used to view the posterior segment.
Should I buy a table-top or a portable slit lamp? Most practices put a table-top slit lamp in every lane and add a portable model for patients who cannot be positioned at the lane, such as bedside, nursing-home or pediatric exams.
Can I add a tonometer or a camera later? Many table-top models accept an applanation tonometer and an imaging adapter. Check the specific model page or ask us before you order so the mounts match.
Do you sell refurbished slit lamps? No. US Ophthalmic sells new equipment only. For a lower budget, check our open-box units, which are inspected and function-checked.
How do I get pricing? Request a quote with your lane setup and the models you are considering, and we will come back with configurations, availability and lead times.
