How Preventative Maintenance Can Help Your Ophthalmic Equipment

The key to a successful ophthalmic practice is its equipment. You would not be able to effectively examine, diagnose, and treat your patients if you didn't have well-maintained equipment. Frequent instances of faulty components or device disrepair can cause a series of ripple effects, impacting your staff's productivity, your patients' satisfaction, and your bottom line.

With that in mind, it's important to have a preventative maintenance plan in place for all of your ophthalmic equipment. By taking proactive steps to keep your devices in good working order, you can avoid costly repairs and downtime. Here are some tips on effective preventative ophthalmic equipment maintenance:

Inspect Your Equipment Regularly

You should visually inspect your ophthalmic equipment on a daily basis. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, loose parts, or discoloration. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, have a qualified technician take a closer look. Wear and tear are normal, but it's important to catch any problems early on before they become bigger issues. For example,  a small crack in a lens could turn into a full-blown breakage if it's not fixed in a timely manner.

Perform Routine Cleaning and Calibration

It's important to keep your equipment clean, as dust and other debris can build up over time and cause problems. To clean your devices properly, you'll need to use specialized cleaning solutions and follow the manufacturer's instructions. You should also have a qualified technician clean and lubricate moving parts on a regular basis. In addition, you should make sure to calibrate your devices regularly to ensure accuracy. The calibration process can vary depending on the type of equipment, so be sure to consult your owner's manual or the manufacturer for instructions.

Store Equipment Properly

Not all ophthalmic equipment is meant to be used on a daily basis. If you have devices that are only used occasionally, such as retinal cameras or OCT machines, it's important to store them properly when they're not in use. This means keeping them in a clean, dry space where they won't be subject to extreme temperatures or humidity. Utilize equipment covers or dust covers when possible to further protect your devices.

Maintain Equipment Records

It's important to keep track of all the maintenance (routine and preventative) that you perform on your ophthalmic equipment. This will help you stay organized and ensure that all of your devices are properly maintained. Make sure to keep records of all inspections, cleanings, and repairs.  This will help you spot any patterns and identify areas that may need more attention. This information will be valuable if you ever need to troubleshoot a problem or file a warranty claim.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule

In addition, be sure to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for your devices. This will ensure that you're performing all the necessary steps to keep your equipment in good working order. Equipment manufacturers typically provide detailed maintenance schedules that outline how often certain tasks need to be performed. Ophthalmic equipment is a significant investment, so it's important to do everything you can to protect your investment.

Schedule a Consultation With Capital Ophthalmic Instruments

If you're looking for ophthalmic equipment maintenance, repair, or calibration services, schedule a consultation with Capital Ophthalmic Instruments today. Our team of experienced technicians can help you keep all your ophthalmic equipment in top condition, so you can focus on providing the best possible care for your patients. 

As an added bonus, we also offer equipment on loan to all our clients in the event of an unexpected equipment breakdown so you can continue to see patients while your equipment is being repaired! If you have any questions about preventative maintenance for ophthalmic equipment, please contact us. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and recommend a service plan that is right for your practice.

To learn more about our preventative maintenance services in Dawsonville, Georgia, or to schedule an ophthalmic equipment repair service near you, contact us today!

Want to learn more about ophthalmic equipment? Here are some related resources:

5 Things to Know about Ophthalmic Instrument Repairs 

Does Your Eye Clinic Have the Best Ophthalmic Equipment? ​