Fort Myers, Fla. Board-certified ophthalmologist Juan Fernandez de Castro and a team of employees from Eye Centers of Florida conducted 168 free vision screenings for workers and their families at Pacific Tomato Growers’ annual health fair in Immokalee on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Dr. Fernandez took the opportunity to use brand new cutting-edge technology, a binocular mobile refractometer and vision analyzer called Kaleidos.

Kaleidos is a unique and first of its kind independent vision analyzer. It detects refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and other sight anomalies. The device serves as a portable dark room that allows refractive examination in any environment and light condition.

“Kaleidos, from the Italian company Adaptica, is extremely fast and accurate. It allows providers to screen for ocular problems in just a few seconds,” said Dr. Fernandez. “It’s light and portable, so it’s perfect for conducting large vision screenings during a short period of time like the one we do at Pacific Tomato Growers every year as well as mission trips I participate in. It’s conveniently app-based, easy to use with a tablet, and does not need to be plugged in.”

“Kaleidos does not replace a full eye exam but identifies people in need of professional eye services,” Dr. Fernandez clarified.

For the Pacific Tomato Growers screening program, anyone found with concerns requiring further care are provided an appointment at Eye Center of Florida’s Immokalee office at significantly reduced fees for medical care and eyeglasses.