I have a question regarding some of your favorite capture stations:

What is your favorite brand? Kowa, Tocon, Zeiss, Optos, Heidelberg?

Why are they your favorites for pluses and minuses?

We are currently looking at all our options and really wanted other photographer's insight on some of the benefits of different brands, or cons that you may have ran into. We currently have Topcon but sadly they will not be supporting our cameras after this year, so it is time to look at upgrading with Topcon or reviewing other options that we may not have thought about in the past!

Thanks for your responses, much appreciated!

Adeline Stone

I can't really offer any specific feedback on newer products. I'm in the same boat as you and will have to look at updates or new options soon as well. Our fundus system is getting older and although I love both the fundus camera and the digital sensors, those models are made or supported anymore. I really don't know what I'd buy if I had to choose a system right now. A couple of points about looking for the best system for you however:

Just keep in mind that preferences are just that - some people like Coke, some like Pepsi or Fords vs. Chevys. So take any advice you're given with a grain of salt. Listen to what people tell you, but look & decide for yourself. When we were researching our last sytem, several people told us that one system was better (opitcally, or better color reproduction, etc), but when we looked at images over several months & from several sources, it just wasn't true. We were looking at the same images as those offering advice, but we saw different things. Our standards were different than their's. I guess I'm saying, don't base your decision on what people tell you, but what your own eyes tell you.

Secondly its all about what system is the right fit for your situation. One that's perfect for one practice may not be the best fit for your's.

Good luck with your search! 

I have experience with Optos, Heidelberg, and Escalon digital (on an old Zeiss FF4). I love the images from all of them but my personal preference for software is Escalon Ophthavision 1st and Heidelberg Eye Explorer a very close 2nd. Either one of these systems are easy to use and powerful enough to query data for specific images if you need them. I like the Optos camera but IMHO, their software needs some work to make it more user friendly. I will give them a pass as their software was originally used in Optometry offices were only a few images would be taken, i.e. they cannot do FA's since tyically there would not be an MD on staff for IV procedures. Since we are are doing quite a few wide angle FA's for our diabetic and RVO patients, their spftware leaves a little to be desired but hopefully that will change soon.

Eric