Ophthalmic Instrument Stands & Refraction Towers
An instrument stand is the backbone of the refraction lane: the column, arms, and supports that hold your phoropter, chart projector, near-vision rod, and often the patient chair-lift in one ergonomic footprint. Rather than scattering devices across separate tables, a well-built stand (also called a refraction tower or combi stand) keeps every instrument within the examiner's reach and swings clear for patients to enter and exit. For ODs, MDs, and lab owners who refract all day, that means a faster, cleaner, more repeatable subjective-refraction workflow.
At US Ophthalmic we outfit exam lanes as a provider, not a reseller. Every stand we carry is backed by our in-house technical and repair department, genuine spare parts, and a full US warranty with service. Alongside our own EZER house brand of ophthalmic and optometric equipment, we help practices match the right stand to their phoropter, projector or digital acuity system, and lane layout, then support that equipment for its full service life. Browse the stands below and request a quote for pricing and lead time.
How to choose an ophthalmic instrument stand
- Instrument load and arms: Count what the stand must carry, whether a manual or digital phoropter, a chart projector or digital acuity display, a near-vision rod, and sometimes a slit lamp. Confirm the number of arms and that each is rated for the weight and reach of the instruments you actually use.
- Integrated chair-lift column: Many refraction towers include a powered column that raises and lowers the patient chair. If you want one stand to anchor the entire lane, choose a model with a chair-lift built in; if you already own a chair, a stand without one may be the more economical fit.
- Phoropter and projector compatibility: Make sure the phoropter arm and projector holder suit your devices. A good stand accommodates a traditional manual phoropter today and still supports a digital phoropter or acuity chart if you upgrade later, protecting the investment.
- Footprint, mounting and handedness: Measure the lane before you buy. Freestanding stands that need no floor mounting are easier to install and relocate, while a reversible right- or left-hand configuration lets you match the examiner's dominant side and the door and chair positions.
- Illumination and power: Look for integrated exam lighting and a built-in power outlet so instruments and the projector draw from the stand itself. This keeps cabling tidy and the workspace uncluttered, which matters in a compact refraction lane.
- Service, warranty and spare parts: A stand is a long-term fixture, so buy from a provider who can service it. US Ophthalmic backs every stand with an in-house repair department, spare-parts availability, and a US warranty, rather than a drop-ship with no support after the sale.
Featured refraction tower
Our current stands lineup centers on the Visionare Torino refraction tower, a freestanding, fully appointed lane stand. Request a quote for pricing, finish options, and availability, and ask us about matching it to your phoropter and projector.
| Model | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| VS - Torino Refraction Unit Tower | Freestanding refraction tower with phoropter arm, chart projector holder, integrated illumination, power outlet, and chair-lift column | Practices building or refreshing a complete refraction lane around one freestanding stand, with no floor mounting, a reversible right/left-hand setup, and multiple finishes |
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an instrument stand and a full refraction unit? An instrument stand, often called a refraction tower or combi stand, is the column and arms that hold your phoropter, chart projector, and related devices, frequently with a built-in chair-lift. A full refraction unit bundles that stand together with a matched examination chair and instrument table as one integrated system. If you already have a chair, a stand alone is often all you need.
What instruments does the Torino refraction tower hold? It supports a manual or digital phoropter on its arm and a chart projector on the projector holder, and it provides integrated exam illumination plus a power outlet for your instruments. A chair-lift column is built into the stand to raise and lower the patient chair.
Does the stand have to be bolted to the floor? No. The Torino is a freestanding, robustly built tower that does not require floor mounting, which simplifies installation and lets you reposition it if you reconfigure the exam room.
Can the stand be set up for a left-handed examiner? Yes. It can be configured for right- or left-hand use, so you can match the examiner's dominant side and the way the door and chair are arranged in the lane.
Do you provide warranty, service, and spare parts in the US? Yes. As a US provider, US Ophthalmic backs the stand with an in-house technical and repair department, genuine spare parts, and a full US warranty with service, so support does not end at delivery.
