Volk News
Keep Seeing Clearly with the Volk ClearPod
Volk Optical released its newest product, the ClearPodTM, to solve the problem of mask-related fogging during fundus examinations. This patent pending design has been created in collaboration with ophthalmologists Dr. Bradley Sacher and Dr. Jeremy Wingard of Illinois, USA. Due to safety regulations around the world, mask-wearing has truly become commonplace in shared spaces such as clinics and hospitals. When a patient breathes while wearing a mask, air escapes through the gaps in the mask and accumulates on the lens surface causing condensation and thus interfering with retinal visualization. The ClearPod clips securely onto the fundus lens and forms a barrier, directing air currents away from the lens surface. Small and light, the device is designed to allow physicians to retain their natural grip on the lens. The shield on the device is carefully designed to accommodate the right working distance while providing maximum fog diversion.
“The ClearPod has been incredibly beneficial for both our students and providers in a variety of practice settings. We are impressed with how simple it is to insert and remove lenses from the ClearPod. Additionally, the device is easy for anyone to hold behind the slit lamp and provides an accurate working distance for examination. The ClearPod exceeded our expectations in terms of limiting fog formulation on diagnostic lenses and has greatly improved image quality,” said Dr. Timothy Bossie, Director of Owned Clinics & Outreach Services at the New England College of Optometry, MA, USA.
Apart from solving the problem of fogging, the ClearPod can also be used as an aid for new students and residents learning ophthalmoscopy. “Even without COVID-19, I think this is a great tool for teaching medical students and residents ophthalmoscopy techniques, as the flange guides and supports to better accommodate the proper working distance. The ClearPod is a perfect solution to prevent non-contact lenses from fogging up. I strongly recommend this device to every ophthalmologist examining a mask-wearing patient, allowing a normal examination of the retina,” Dr. Francesco Comacchio said. The ClearPod is currently available for the 90D and the 78D lenses. Volk optical informs that it plans to release the ClearPods for their Digital Wide Field and SuperField lenses early next year. You can purchase the ClearPod on volk.com or email volk@volk.com to place your orders.