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Metadata
Object Name |
Eye Chart |
Object ID |
2015.045.34.01 |
Date |
c. 1965 |
Description |
It is a white cardstock chart. It is rectangular. The string is tied as a loop and is threaded through two holes with metal reinforcements so that the chart can hang on a wall. One would stand back 3 metres to use the chart and test vision. On the front of the chart, printed in rows, are the letters: S R O O E F U Y E R S H Z T A S F D R N M E N O P S U Y L T Z F X N I C The rows decrease in size towards the bottom of the chart. Between each row of letters are numbers in this order: 6/60, 6/36, 6/24, 6/18, 6/12, 6/9, 6/6, 6/5. On the bottom of the chart says "For the facilitation of a Medical Eye Examination" and "FOR INSTRUCTION–SEE OVER" On the back of the chart is: "The test type is a normal 6 meter one scaled down for use at a distance of three meters (9’ 10")." "The other side of the chart is covered with a washable surface and may be cleaned with a DAMP cloth." "IMPORTANT It must be emphasized that the test type is in no way intended to be a substitute for a full eye examination." |
Dimension Details |
With String Extended: 36 x 11.5 x 0.5 Without String: 27 x 11.5 x 0.5 |
Materials |
Card stock; string, laminate, metal |
Inscription Type |
Other Markings |
Inscription Text |
"Printed in England" |
Owned By |
Smith, Dr. David- (1934-2013) UWO Medical School Graduate class of 1962, EN |
Donated By |
Smith, Dr. Elizabeth(b. 1937), UWO Medical School Graduate 1962 |
MeSH Search Terms |
Diagnosis Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological Vision Tests Visual Acuity |
Research Notes |
Dr Elizabeth Smith used eye chart in practice, one of only 2 female physicians in London, (other was Dr Priscilla Suffel). She interned at Victoria Hospital, pursued some psychiatric training at CPRI, entered family practice in London in 1964. Snellen charts are the most common eye charts used today. This type of chart was developed by the Dutch eye doctor Hermann Snellen. It was created circa 1860. The Snellen chart was an important advancement for ophthalmological diagnosis because it standardized the eye chart. Before this chart, the method changed from doctor to doctor. After Snellen’s development, a patient could go from one eye care provider to the next and would be able to receive results that were based on the same information. The eye chart is used by standing 20ft/6m away and reading the letters of each row. The last line read correctly determines the level of eyesight. The top number indicates at what distance you are from the chart. The bottom number indicates at what distance a person with perfect vision would be able to read the line. The term 20/20 vision comes from this chart (normal vision mean from 20ft you can read the line that has 20/20 over it). |