Tips On Finding Quality Used Ophthalmic Equipment

By Lela Perkins


In order to run a successful optometry practice, there are many challenges that you have to overcome. One of them is dealing with the challenge of buying high quality instruments at affordable prices. Buying new ophthalmic instruments can be very expensive. Fortunately, the option of purchasing used ophthalmic equipment is viable.

Many eye care professionals have now realized that they can use second hand instruments in the same manner that they use new instruments to treat patients. Used devices are cost effective and you should not be afraid of buying them just because there is a stigma attached to buying second hand machines.

Second hand instruments that are inspected by technicians function very well and they can help you reduce the capital demands of your practice. This will leave you with money that you can invest in other areas of your business such as hiring staff and office decor. This is very important especially if you are just starting out.

Office decor is important because it displays the level of class and professionalism of your practice. It can boost the confidence of your clients. With more staff in your practice, you can be able to provide your customers with many of the services they need. Opting for cheaper second hand machines allows you to spread your budget to cater for all aspects of your optometry practice.

There are three options available when it comes to purchasing used ophthalmic instruments. The first option is purchasing them from an eye care practice that is upgrading its instruments and selling off the older ones. However, the instruments sold in this manner do not come with warranties. The second option is purchasing remanufactured devices and the third one is purchasing refurbished devices. These two options usually apply to expensive ophthalmic devices.

The process taken to remanufacture devices involves dismantling, repairing and then rebuilding them to make sure that they comply with the specifications of a manufacturer. After this, they are reassembled and then sold at prices that are a little bit lower than those of new instruments. The remanufacturing process is usually done to machines that have been in use for more than two years.

One the other hand, the refurbishing process is usually performed on machines that are less than 2 years old. Manufacturers or equipment dealers can refurbish devices. They clean them up and replace any components that may be broken. Unlike remanufactured devices, refurbished devices do not undergo rigorous teardown and rebuilding. They may therefore look a little bit older than remanufactured instruments.

After deciding which option to use, the next step you should take it to decide where you will make your purchase. There are many professionals who seek for ophthalmic instruments from retiring medical practitioners. These professionals can provide you with high quality second hand instruments for your practice.

You can also search through a number of auctioneering websites to find out whether they stock high quality instruments. When buying these devices, it is wise to ask the seller to provide you with relevant documentation for them. You should also weigh the prices of the used ophthalmic equipment against their quality before making a purchasing decision.




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