Type R Microscopic Bifocals

The Design for Vision Type R Microscopic Bifocal provides excellent optics in magnification powers of 2X to 10X. The patient's prescription can be incorporated in the rear lens of this true doublet microscope. The cosmetic appearance is good. These systems do require a very close working distance. The optics, at the higher powers, are much better than single lens microscopes.

The Type R Microscopic Bifocal was invented by the late Dr. William Feinbloom,  America's foremost pioneer in low vision eyewear. It is a doublet microscope -- made of two separate lens componets with the patient's prescription included.

The Type R Microscopic Bifocal can provide magnifications of 2X, 4X, 6X, 8X and 10X. The bifocal is 25 mm wide by  19 mm high. Our doctors have been prescribing these systems for over thirty years with excellent results. Our doctors use test lenses in a trial frame to determine the potential for the patient to benefit from a Type R Microscopic Bifocal and to determine the exact power required. The system is then fabricated into an ophthalmic lens. The stronger the microscope, the closer patient must hold reading material. Patients can use only one bifocal. It is placed on the better eye.

In 1974, Dr. Windsor prescribed a Designs for Vision Type R microscopic bifocal to allow Mildred, one of our macular degeneration patients, to read again. Mildred continued to use her Type R microscopic bifocal until her death near 103 years of age. Mildred was a special patient and is missed by our doctors and staff. We are pleased that we helped Mildred, despite severe vision loss, continue to read with severe macular degeneration for over 28 years.This the exact moment when this patient read again after being unable to read for over three decades. She was fit with a Type R Microscope by Dr. Windsor at the Low Vision Center of Marion in the 1980s. She is wearing trial lenses to test the microscope power.

The same patient is shown wearing a her Type R Microscopic Bifocal with an amber filter to control extreme glare problems. The Type R Microscopic bifocal is both helpful  to many patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, histoplasmosis and other macular conditions. It has a very good cosmetic appearance. Some patients  may initially use a clip on occluder to block the eye not used. With experience, they usually read fine without it.

The Type E Microscopic bifocal is a slightly smaller version of the type R microscopic bifocal. The type E can fit into smaller frames. The close working distance is required.