What to Look for When Buying Used Ophthalmic Equipment

Used ophthalmic equipment can be a smart investment for practices looking to expand capabilities, equip additional exam lanes, or replace aging instruments at a lower cost. But not all used equipment is created equal — and buying the wrong piece of equipment can cost more in service and downtime than buying new.

At Blue River Medical, we offer used ophthalmic equipment and help practices across Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah evaluate their options. Here is what to look for before you buy.

1. Verify the Equipment's Service History

A well-maintained instrument with documented service history is worth significantly more than one with unknown history. Before purchasing used equipment, ask:

Has the instrument been regularly serviced and calibrated?
Are there service records available?
Has it been repaired, and if so, what was replaced?
How many hours or how many measurements has it logged?

2. Check the Physical Condition

Ophthalmic instruments are precision devices. Physical damage — even cosmetic — can indicate rough handling that may affect performance. Look for:

Scratches or damage to optics and lenses
Wear on mechanical components (knobs, joints, adjustments)
Condition of cables, connectors, and power supplies
Signs of liquid damage or contamination

3. Confirm Calibration Status

Many ophthalmic instruments require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Before purchasing, confirm:

When was the instrument last calibrated?
Is calibration documentation available?
Can the instrument be recalibrated by a qualified technician?

Our service team can assist with calibration and preventive maintenance after purchase.

4. Verify Parts and Service Availability

Older instruments may no longer be supported by the manufacturer. Before buying used, confirm:

Is the model still supported by the manufacturer or an authorized service provider?
Are replacement parts available?
Is there a qualified technician in your area who can service it?

This is especially important for complex instruments like digital refractors, fundus cameras, and visual field analyzers.

5. Test Before You Buy

Whenever possible, have the instrument tested and verified before purchase. A basic functional check should confirm:

The instrument powers on and operates as expected
Measurements fall within expected accuracy ranges
All features and modes function correctly
Optics are clean and free of haze or contamination

6. Understand What Is Included

Used equipment listings often omit accessories, consumables, or software that are required for the instrument to function. Confirm what is included:

Original accessories and carrying cases
Software licenses and updates
Probes, tips, or consumables (and whether they are still available)
User manuals and documentation

Common Categories of Used Ophthalmic Equipment

Tonometers — check probe compatibility and calibration. See our iCare tonometer page for current new options
Slit lamps — inspect optics carefully for scratches or haze
Phoropters — check all lens positions and mechanical adjustments. See our Reichert page for new refraction options
Fundus cameras — verify imaging quality and software function
Visual field analyzers — confirm software licensing and calibration
Lensometry — straightforward to test and verify

Used Equipment Through Blue River Medical

Blue River Medical offers used ophthalmic equipment that has been evaluated and is supported by our service team. We serve practices across Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah.

Visit our used equipment page or call us at (877) 707-5688 to see what is currently available.

What to Look for When Buying Used Ophthalmic Equipment