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Which version of Windows do I need?

Test Chart Lite and XPert can be installed on virtually any PC running Windows XP or later (including Windows 7). By modern standards, the hardware requirements are minimal. The information below will help you select appropriate hardware but if you have any further questions, one of our engineers will be happy to advise.

Will it run on an Apple Mac?

Sadly not.

What sort of PC do I need?

Test Chart LITE and Xpert will run on virtually any PC. You do not need a state of the art machine but you may find that the old machine that you have rescued from the loft may be a bit too slow when it comes to drawing the more complex displays. Also older machines may not be capable of generating high enough screen resolutions - we recommend a minimum of 1280 x 1024.

If you are buying a new computer, the entry level specification is more than adequate for the task. Read the section on graphics cards below before ordering. Also have a look at some reviews in computer magazines to find the best value for money.

Can you provide the hardware as well?

We can supply a very neat All-in-one unit known as the Integra. This consists of a flat panel display (19’’ or 23’’) with a built-in PC. F urther details.

Can I use the PC I already have in the consulting room?

Usually, yes, provided that it meets the minimum requirements set out above. If you want to continue using the primary monitor you will need to install a second graphics card, a Dualhead card or USB-VGA adapter so that you can run two independent monitors. Test Chart 2000 can then be dragged onto the second monitor leaving your primary monitor free to use in the normal way.

Can I use the software on a laptop?

For domiciliary work a laptop is ideal. Place the laptop on a suitable flat surface, measure the distance to the patient and enter this into Test Chart 2000. The program will then scale everything appropriately for this distance and you have your full battery of consulting room tests available. The IR remote control is very useful under these conditions as it allows you to control the program from up to 10 metres away avoiding having to walk to and fro to use the keyboard.

Some practitioners also use a laptop in the consulting room, either using the laptop display or plugging in a separate monitor.

To use the laptop display you obviously need to mount the laptop at a suitable position in the consulting room, either above the patient's head (for mirror viewing) or at the other end of the consulting room for direct viewing. In either case you will probably need to use the remote control to operate the program.

Alternatively, you can plug an external monitor into most laptops. This allows you to have the laptop in front of you and a second display for the patient to view. This can work well but make sure that the laptop can support the resolution of the second monitor, i.e. if the second monitor has a resolution of 1280 x 1024, check that your laptop can support this resolution.

Laptops do have the big advantage that they take up less room so for a small consulting room this is a good solution.

What sort of monitor do I need?

Modern Flat Panel Displays (FPDs) are ideal for displaying Test Charts.

They are light (easy to wall mount), have excellent resolution and contrast (typically >250:1) and are flicker-free. They are also capable of producing adequate luminance (>200 cdm-2), are remarkably immune to ambient light, have good uniformity across the screen and are very stable over time.

The price of FPDs has plummeted over the past few years making computerised Test Charts a very cost-effective alternative to conventional charts and projectors.

●	Size: A 17'' flat panel display is generally adequate for displaying Test Charts. However, if you are using a long viewing distance (>6m) or see a lot of visually impaired patients it may be worth considering a larger display.

●	Resolution: The resolution of flat panel displays is mainly determined by their size. Most 17'' and 19’’ displays have a resolution of 1280 x 1024. 22’’ and 24’’ displays have more pixels (the exact number depends on the format).

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N.B. If you wish to use the polarised mask option with Test Chart XPert, you will require a 24’’ widescreen monitor (1920 x 1200) such as the Samsung Syncmaster 2443BW. If you intend to use the polarising filters incorporated in a phoropter, you are advised to contact Thomson Software Solutions for advice on obtaining a flat panel display with the correct inherent axis of polarisation.

●	Viewing Angle: Modern flat panel displays have very wide viewing angles (i.e. the luminance remains constant from a wide range of viewing angles). In the consulting room the display will be viewed from at least 3 metres so this is not a major consideration.

●	Screen luminance and contrast: Most flat panel displays are capable of producing a luminance of 150 cdm2 or more and contrasts in excess of 200:1. This complies with the European and British Standards and is perfectly adequate for displaying test charts.

●	Screen uniformity: Flat panel displays generally have very uniform luminance across the screen and are very stable over time - much better than the average projector chart!

IMPORTANT: If you want to mount the flat panel display directly on the wall (the neatest solution) check the following:

●	It has VESA compliant fittings (screw holes in standard locations so that a standard wall mounting bracket can be used - available from us if required)

●	It has a separate power supply - some models have the power supply built in to the base unit

What if I cannot get a 6 metres viewing distance in my consulting room?

No problem! Simply type in the viewing distance that you have and Test Chart 2000 will scale all the charts and stimuli accordingly. The chart can be viewed directly or via a mirror.

What is the shortest viewing distance I can use?

The software can be scaled for any viewing distance. However, a viewing distance of less than 3 metres is not recommended because a) distance visual acuity measurements will be less accurate, b) some adjustment to the distance refractive correction may be required and c) the endpoint to a refraction becomes less precise.

A study carried out by Professor Thomson suggested that measurements of VA and refractive error are more accurate for viewing distances of greater than 4m.

If a consulting room is less than 4m long, the display may be viewed via a mirror. Simply mount the monitor above the patient's head (as shown above) with a mirror at the other end of the room. Ensure the mirror is correctly positioned so that the display is seen in the centre of the mirror. Measure the distance from the patient’s eyes to the mirror and from the mirror to the chart and enter the total viewing distance into the program. Remember to select “Mirror Optotypes” from the program setup.

How do I wall-mount the monitor?

Flat panel displays are relatively light and most can be wall-mounted using a suitable bracket.

When purchasing a display, check that it has:

a VESA compliant fittings (most do but check)
a separate power supply (not incorporated into the base unit

What sort of “VGA” cable do I need?

There are two types of connections between a computer and display screen; digital and analogue. Both are generally fine for this purpose although you tend to get less interference with a digital connection. If you require a long analogue VGA cable to go from the computer to the monitor it is important to buy a well shielded cable to avoid shadowing of the letters on the screen.

Do I need the IR remote control?

Considerable effort has gone into ensuring that Test Chart 2000 is easy to use. Most of the time, a single key press is all that is required to rotate around your favorite sequence of charts and displays.

The program can be controlled using the keyboard, the mouse or using the optional IR remote control.

The remote control system consists of an IR receiver that plugs into the USB port and a customised handset. All aspects of the program can be controlled using the remote control - you can even point at letters on the charts from the comfort of your stool!

What do I do if I get stuck?

There is a lot more useful information in the manual which you can download below. We are also very happy to help you with any enquiries via the helpline or email.