To start a test, select the patients name from the list and click on Run test.  This will display the Start test dialog shown below.




Test conditions

Select the name of the screener and enter the spectacle Rx worn by the patient for the test and their visual acuity and pupil size.  This information will be shown on the report.

Stimuli matrix

This determines the stimuli set used for the examination.


30-2: This presents a matrix of stimuli separated by 6 degrees out to an eccentricity of 30 degrees from fixation in all directions (i.e 60 degrees in total).


24-2: This presents a matrix of stimuli separated by 6 degrees out to an eccentricity of 24 degrees from fixation in all directions (i.e 48 degrees in total).  


10-2: This presents a matrix of stimuli separated by 2 degrees out to an eccentricity of 10 degrees from fixation in all directions (i.e 20 degrees in total).  


32 point: This presents 32 points in the central 22 degrees.  Designed to provide a rapid screening test.


It is beyond the scope of this manual to discuss the relative merits of each stimulus matrix but in general terms the 30-2 and 24-2 programs are designed to detect field defects in the mid periphery (e.g. glaucomatous defects).  The 24-2 program includes fewer points so is faster but the 30-2 covers a slightly larger area.  The 10-2 program uses a denser matrix to examine central field defects in more detail.

Eye

This determines whether both eyes or a single eye is to be tested.

Test mode

This determines the test mode.  In multiple mode, 2, 3 or 4 stimuli are presented simultaneously and the patient is asked how many "dots" they saw.  In single mode, the stimuli are presented one at a time and the patient reports whether or not each stimulus is detected.  The multiple mode is generally much quicker but requires the examiner to record the patient's response.

Strategy

In Screening mode, the test stimuli are presented at 5dB above the threshold determined for a selection of stimuli in the mid-periphery.  In this mode, the software simply records any stimuli that are not seen at this luminance - the assumption being that they must have a loss in sensitivity of more than 5dB.  No attempt is made to quantify the actual loss in sensitivity.


In Threshold mode, the test stimuli are again presented at 5dB above the threshold determined for a selection of stimuli in the mid-periphery.  However, in this mode, the software goes on to increase the luminance of any stimuli that are not seen until they are detected (or maximum screen luminance is reached) and records the dB when they are seen.


The Screening mode is quicker but does not provide any information on the depth of any scotomas identified.

Blindspot fixation monitoring

This determines the default mode for Blindspot fixation monitoring.   If this option is selected, the software will present a series of stimuli to determine the position and size of the blindspot. A stimulus is then periodically presented in the centre of the blindspot.  If the patient is fixating accurately, this stimulus will not be detected.  If however, the patient is not fixating correctly, the stimulus will fall outside the blindspot and will be detected.  This therefore provides an indication of how well the patient is fixating and is reported as Fixation losses /3 on the chart