Computer-Controller Ophthalmic Refraction. Analysis of a Computer Network versus a Central Computer.

摘要

This paper studies the projected organization and cost of a prototype computer-assisted eye clinic designed to supply one optometrist with an optimal flow of patients by freeing him/her from all tasks which do not require the professional skills of the optomotrist. Such a system is a logical extension of the current computer refraction project, which has demonstrated the feasibility of administering many routine optometric tests under computer control. The organization and operation of the current system are presented as background for the design questions involved in the clinical prototype, and a user-oriented functional organization of the optimal system is then delineated. From these and other user requirements, a clear statement of the evaluation criteria and performance constrains for the optimal system is derived. Finally, a summary of a detailed cost study is included which appraised the cost of developing a prototype by itemizing the hardware and software development costs for each local station in the system. To this summary of direct costs are affixed the additional costs incurred in developing and operating the prototype.