Manual Keratometry for Beginners

Don't be intimidated by the Keratometer.  Manual Keratometry is not difficult and is an important skill every technician who works in an anterior segment practice should have.

Begin by mounting the steel calibration balls that came with your Keratometer. These are spherical, so they are easy to measure and good for practice. The curvature value is imprinted on the steel balls so you can verify your findings.

After you have mastered the calibration balls, practice on coworkers.  A good tear film is essential so encourage blinking. Don't forget to focus your eyepiece.  With practice, you can become accomplished at performing this important task.