Haag-Streit Octopus 301 Visual Field

Although the Octopus 300 series has unnecessary differences from the competition, automated gaze and head tracking makes this a fantastic value.

Overview

The Haag-Streit 301 is decisively a product of German engineering and largely bucks the status quo that Humphrey and other competitors have already set. In fact, much of the Octopus series is largely deviating from other Perimeters in terms of testing strategies, design and even interface. Although it’s run by three large stepper motors located within the optical head, the unit is surprisingly quiet- almost silent in fact- even when the motors are at work. Not even a fan can be heard running in the background and that is a big step up from the traditional Humphrey Field Analyzers which seem to be powering a jet engine inside. The entire optical head is easy to align given the on-screen controls, however the (fairly uncomfortable) chin rest and forehead rest mean more patient alignment is necessary prior to testing up front. The 301 does have some impressive auto-alignment features which track the gaze and pause testing when the patient moves or blinks though. Unlike the 301, competitors such as the Matrix 715, and Oculus Easyfield both align patients in a fixed position where manual positioning isn’t required. With that being said, the automatic maneuvering of the 301’s optical head means better fixation and more consistent gaze than the other units we just mentioned. The fixation monitoring real-time camera is also displayed quite largely on the 301’s testing interface. In terms of perimetry, the 301’s software basically offers all the tests you’re accustomed to, except with all different names and little explanation as to how they relate to tests you’re used with traditional Humphrey models. Instead of 30-2 and 24-2, etc… you’re offered Program G1 (2), M2, 32, ST, LVC which we recommend reading Haag’s ‘Visual Field Digest‘ to fully understand. 30° perimetry on the 301 offers both screening and full-threshold testing patterns all inside a fairly compact instrument with unique styling.