After spending days of looking, assessing, and evaluating a number of pupilometers that we managed to get our hands on, we have come to conclude that the Sunwin Optical Digital Pupillary Distance Meter SC252 is the most recommendable of them all. It has all the necessary functions that an effective pupilometer must possess. It is handy and comes with an automatic power off and memory function. On top of that, it can accommodate a wide range of distances that makes it good for almost everyone to use.
Let us admit it.
The comforts of our home is incomparable to any place. Which is why we tend to do things as much as possible in it. Even shopping for our prescription glasses.
Now we hear you if this may seem off. First, to get your glasses, you will need to go to an eye clinic to get checked. The second, you need the right eye measurements to get a good glasses.
Well, we have come to tell you that you can actually get your eye measurements by yourself and order your prescription glasses online without worries.
How to do it? All you need is a pupilometer, of course!
A pupilometer is a device that can provide you with the measurements of your pupillary distance. This is vital when it comes to getting the right and accurate prescription glasses.
If you are thinking of finding the right one, then we are glad to assist you.
We have looked, assessed, and evaluated a number of pupilometers. And we have come to conclude with our top 5 list of most recommendable. Our results are as follows:
5 Best Pupilometers
| Product | Handle Height | Weight | Seat Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Medical Four Wheel Rollator | 31” to 37” | 18.6 lbs | 12" (L) x 12" (W) |
| Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator | 33” to 38” | 14 lbs | 12"(D) x 14"(W) x 23"(H) |
| Hugo Mobility Elite Rollator Walker | 29.5” to 38” | 18 lbs | 20" (W) x 22” (D) |
| Hugo Mobility Portable Rollator Walker | 33” to 39” | 15.4 lbs | 12" (W) x 12” (D) |
| NOVA Medical Products Traveler 3-Wheeled Rollator Walker | 33" - 37.25" | 16 lbs | N/A |
How Does a Pupilometer Work?
A pupilometer is a medical device that measures the distance between the centers of each pupil—also called “pupillary distance”—through visual stimuli. It is used for fitting eyeglasses to make sure that the lenses are centered in the visual axis.
Usually associated with eye doctors, a pupilometer can also be a device for anyone who simply does not want the hassle—and added costs—of going to an eye clinic. Customers will now be able to measure their own pupillary distance (PD) and order their glasses online.
The pupilometer will tell the manufacturer of the glasses where to put the optical center on each lens. Therefore, ensuring accuracy with the measurement of the PD is very important for the glasses to fit clearly. And getting the right pupilometer that does this must be done with caution.
So if you are thinking of buying a pupilometer for you but don’t know how to do it right, then you have come to the right place. Continue reading to find out…
What Should I Consider Before Buying a Pupilometer?
Let us first talk about the basics. When buying a pupilometer, it helps to consider the following to ensure that the product works best for you:
- Consider how pupilometers are handheld instruments. Therefore, size and weight is relative to buying it. Make sure that it is not too large or too heavy to be used. It has to fit right through your hands and be light enough for it to be comfortable to use.
- Distance is important. So make sure that the pupilometer you are buying can cover a range of pupillary distances. This is to ensure that the device won’t be inadequate in giving you the measurements.
- Easy to use. The pupilometer is a device used to make the job of measuring pupillary distance easier. So acquiring the measurement shouldn’t be hard and must not require a person with a background on optometry for it to be understood. With that, make sure the pupilometer is very easy to use and friendly to all users.
Why is a Pupilometer Important?
Now as part of the buyer’s guide, it is important that you know why buying a pupilometer is important for you. And no, it goes beyond being a convenient device.
As we have mentioned, pupilometer is used to measure the pupillary distance. With this lies its true purpose.
When shopping for glasses online, you will need to ensure that the measurements you provide are accurate—including the pupillary distance. The pupillary distance ensures that the prescription glasses you have are focused well according to your pupils. You may fall as having “Average PD”, which falls between 60 mm and 66 mm, or outside it. So for this, you will need an accurate measurement.
However, doing that may seem like you have to visit an optician for them to provide the measurements. But that is not the case anymore. With the pupilometer, you can now get the pupilometer distance measurements and order the prescriptions within the comforts of your home.
And we are here to help you find the best pupilometers out there. How did we do it? Read on to find out…
How We Assessed and Evaluated the Pupilometers
Our search for the most recommendable pupilometers around began with gathering an inventory from online sources as well as local sources. We identified the products that are commonly available around and preferred by the customers. And of course, the list that we got was not short.
We then referred to a bunch of review websites, blog posts, and forums as well as recommendations from friends about the kind of pupilometer they used. We went to websites like top5reviews for some insights, and most importantly, visited websites related to the eyes like OptiBoard, Cruise Opthalmic, and more.
Going through those resources above ensures that we have a wide perspective about the products. This makes sure that we don’t leave out important details when it comes to assessing the products later on. With the still long list that we got, we need to make a cut.
So to narrow it down, we then assessed the products based on a criteria. This involved the many features of each pupilometers that got into our list. We assessed its physical features, like the ones we have written in the buyers guide above. From here, we arrived at our top 5 products that seem the most durable and efficient.
Now the time came that we have to make a ranking of the top 5 pupilometers. It is during this stage that we evaluated the products through a rigorous product testing method. We personally used the pupilometers and identified which gives out the most accurate reading. Not only that, we also considered how friendly it is to users.
By the time we are done, we have finally concluded our search for the most recommendable pupilometer. And we have the results for you below.
On a side note, it helps to mention that throughout the process of looking for the best pupilometer around, we did not accept nor entertained any product inducement. All of our findings are independent from those; ensuring a critical review of the products.
Product Reviews
1. Sunwin Optical Digital Pupillary Distance Meter SC252 – Editor’s Pick
What rose above all of the competition is the Sunwin Optical Digital Pupillary Distance Meter model SC252. This device provided us accurate reading of the pupillary distance while being very easy to use. Also, the features are great bonuses.
First is the physical aspect. The device has a size measurement of 25cm x 13.8cm x 5.5cm and a weight of 715g. This evidently made it very comfortable to use. It is not too heavy nor too big.
Next is the device itself. It has the capacity to measure pupillary distances that range from 48 mm to 77 mm. The resolution is 0.5mm with a viewing distance that is from 35 cm to infinity.
This digital pupilometer provides precise optical structure and measurement and a very clear line of light. It has a direct PD adjustment lever and an adjustable viewing distance selecting lever. This makes for a good device that can measure all kinds of viewing distances. Also, this digital pupilometer displays 3 measurements: the Right, Right/Left, Left.
Now for its features, the device has an automatic power off and memory function. So you can review the recorded data even after you shut the device off. With its automatic power off, you will also be able to save its energy, which runs on just 2 AAA batteries.
So far we find no problems with the device except for a much modern or stylish design.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
2. Gizmo Supply Digital LCD Optical Pupilometer – The Stylish Runner-Up
Probably out of all the pupilometer devices that we found, the Gizmo Supply Digital LCD Optocal Pupilometer has the most sleek appearance. This we love because not only does it work, it is also stylish.
To begin, let us detail its physical features. The size measurements are 9.4 x 13.7 x 4.1 inches with a weight of 2.1 lbs. Like the rest, this tells us that the device is handy enough to use.
Going deeper, we have to identify the range of measurements the Gizmo Supply Pupilometer can accommodate. The binocular pupillary distance ranges from 45mm to 80mm. Its lef or right pupillary distance can go from 22.5 mm to 40 mm. Lastly, its distance of target begins at 30 cm.
The measurement results are of course displayed digitally. The left and right eye measurements are displayed separately.
For its other features, the pupillary device has an auto power off once the measuring operation is completed. It also has a memory function that enables you to save the data without losing it.
Another thing that we like about this that we have to point out is that it can be used in monocular mode. This means that you can actually use it to measure just one of either your left or right eye in case you want to repeat reading.
If there were anything that we want it to improve on would be its manual. It is just hard to read and follow. This makes the device appear hard to use than it actually is.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
3. Sunwin Digital Pd Meters Digital Pupilometer SC344 – The Effective Runner-Up
Following from the same brand is the Sunwin Digital PD Pupilometer model SC344. It offers almost the same features and efficiency; making it a close competition with the one above.
Its physical size is 221mm(L) x 164mm(W) x 63mm(H) and weighs 1.6 pounds. Telling you that it is in a very handy size.
The Sunwin Pupilometer SC344 also has a great effective range of measurements. Its binocular pupillary distance ranges from 45-82mm; the left or right pupillary distance from 22.5 to 41 mm; and a focus range from 30 cm to infinity.
This device also features direct point-sampling and high accuracy of orientation. It has a long reading time like the one above. This means that it can retain the readings on screen while it is on and even when it shuts off, the memory will retain the data for you to review again if you need it. But you have to remember not to move the slide controls in order for it to retain the data you previously recorded.
And like the last one, the power automatically shuts off after a minute. Unless of course if you press the button to shut it off manually. All in all, it is very easy to use.
A critique that brought it down to the second place is that the LED brightness is not adjustable as it said it would be. This is a bummer of course because we expected it to be the case.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
4. Optical Digital PD Meter Pupilometer Interpupillary Distance Tester CP-32C1 – The Reliable Choice
Entering our list is the Optical Digital PD Meter Pupilometer Interpupillary Distance Tester CP-32C1. It has all reliable functions that a pupilometer needs to work effectively. It is enough in that it gives accurate results.
When we got the product, we first assessed the physical. The material is plastic and has a color combination of grey and blue.
This is not very appealing of course but nevertheless works well. Its package dimensions are 12.2” x 4” x 8.7”. It also weighs 2.4 lbs. It is bulky but enough to be handy.
For its measurement range, the pupilometer device can go from 50mm to 80mm. The resolution is 0.5mm and the viewing distance is 35cm to infinity.
Other functions of this device include an automatic shut-off. It turns off about one minute after stopping the operation. It also has a memory function that saves the power and the tested data for you later reviewing.
Lastly, it also has an adjustable knob that you can use to regulate the visual distance for different people. This makes this PD measurement precise and simple.
Overall, while being outdated, it has some redeeming qualities that allowed it to reach into our top 5 list.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
5. Gizmo Supply Optical Digital PD Meter Pupilometer Test Ruler – Mysterious Choice
The final product in our list stood out for its different design. It is literally shaped like a binocular which is fun. But aside from that, it works very well in measuring the pupillary distance.
We can definitely tell you that its overall size is handy. Considering that it is shaped like a binocular, it is made to fit right into your hands. It weighs 8 lbs.
It has an auto power off and memory function. So just like the rest, it has these features that will definitely make the reading convenient and efficient.
There is also a soft and comfortable nose bearer. This is definitely new and sets it apart from the rest. It is comfortable, efficient, and all the while stylish.
Now the things that made this product at the bottom of our list is that it almost has very few details about it. When purchasing, we are only given a few details making the whole process a great leap of faith. But even with that, we received a great product that works well.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
What We Recommend
Editor's Pick: Sunwin Optical Digital Pupillary Distance Meter SC252
With everything said and done, we have reached the final part of our article. Here, we review the most recommendable one out of the five pupilometer above.
And the one that reigned them all is the Sunwin Optical Digital Pupillary Distance Meter SC252. It is then followed by two strong competing devices: the Gizmo Supply Digital LCD Optical Pupilometer and Sunwin Digital Pd Meters Digital Pupilometer SC344.
Now what makes the Sunwin Optical Digital Pupillary Distance Meter SC252 become our editor’s pick is that it has all the functions necessary for an effective pupilometer. And it is also very telling that the only criticism is about its outdated look, which does not affect how well it delivers.
It is very handy, has wide distance range, is adjustable, and comes with automatic power-off and memory function.
Runners Up: Gizmo Supply Digital LCD Optical Pupilometer and Sunwin Digital Pd Meters Digital Pupilometer SC344.
The Gizmo Supply Digital LCD Optical Pupilometer has a lot of the qualities that the first one posses. And to top it all off, it has great design and look. What brought it down is that it may seem confusing and hard to understand.
Lastly, we have the Sunwin Digital Pd Meters Digital Pupilometer SC344. It is a very reliable device that manages to give a good job in delivering accurate readings needed for an effective pupilometer. If not for its adjustability and some added features, it would definitely have been occupying the top spot.