Used Ophthalmic Equipment

As most ophthalmic professionals know, there is a huge market for used ophthalmic equipment as practices sell their older equipment and instruments and upgrade with newer technology. This means there are bargains available out there and depending on your needs, you may consider investing in used ophthalmic  equipment rather than paying full retail on new technology.  You may also consider buying “some” refurbished equipment such as refurbished ophthalmic chairs and stands – saving yourself money in this area allowing yourself extra dollars to purchase the newer high tech equipment. There are pros and cons associated with this kind of buying decision so make sure you do your research.

First, make sure that you are buying used ophthalmic equipment from a reputable resource. You need to make sure that you completely understand any warranty or return policy on the used ophthalmic instrument or equipment you buy so that you aren’t stuck with a piece of equipment that doesn’t work or that does not live up to the expectations you have. Primarily, you don’t want to buy from an unknown entity with no credentials that could just slip away with your money.

Second, you need to consider what you really need. Perhaps you need a single, manual instrument without a lot of bells and whistles, or you need to immediately replace a piece of existing equipment that has broken down and you don’t have the budget to buy a brand new version. Whatever your reasoning make sure you do your research first. In some instances, you can spend the same or just a bit more money and replace multiple pieces of ophthalmic equipment or upgrade significantly from your previous technology. For instance, if you are considering buying a non-contact tonometer, at least consider buying new with a built in pachymeters to replace two instruments with one. Or if you need a new automated refractor, consider one with a keratometer top or integrated or consider one with topography included as well. If you are considering purchasing a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope, or replacing an existing ophthalmoscope, consider buying something like a Welch Allyn Exam Lane diagnostic package which can offer a great price on multiple diagnostic ophthalmic instruments which gives you great value and upgraded technology. Essentially, do your research and really compare what you are giving up in terms of space, time and technology for the money.

Third, make sure the piece of used ophthalmic equipment you use can work with other equipment in your office. Perhaps your new or used ophthalmic equipment can integrate with your digital imaging system, or if it is the same brand name you can use similar replacement batteries or ophthalmic bulbs. Think of the big picture of your whole office and make your buying decision appropriately.

Lastly, when purchasing new ophthalmic equipment, make sure you are getting the true value of what you are trading in.  You may consider selling your trade in to a company specializing in pre-owned ophthalmic equipment.  These companies will truly refurbish the equipment with the intent to resell it which makes your equipment very valuable to them vs the manufacturer who simply will remove it from the marketplace putting very little to no value on your equipment at all. 

Make sure you know the answers to these important business questions before you make this kind of buying decision.  Be an eduacated consumer!

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.