About
Thomson Software Solutions delivers a comprehensive portfolio of optical software tools purpose-built for eye care professionals, opticians, and vision practitioners. The product range spans clinical diagnostics and patient management, with flagship offerings including the Thomson Test Charts (widely regarded as the leading computerized vision testing solution), the Thomson Near Chart for tablet-based near vision assessment, a Virtual Synoptophore powered by a VR headset, and the Clinical Eye Tracker for dynamic binocular vision evaluation. Additional commercial products include the ReadEZ System for visual stress diagnosis, the Binocular Vision Analyser (Hess Screen and Field of BSV testing), the Digital Visual Field Screener for domiciliary testing, CheckMyVision for patient self-screening via practice websites, an Occupational Vision Screener, the Vision Toolbox iPad app, the D-Chart for measuring central field defects, and EMedInfo, an online database of ocular drug reactions. Alongside its paid software, Thomson provides several free tools for practitioners, including a LogMAR Scorer, an online Amsler Chart, a Visual Stress Screener, the Efron Grading Scale (online and downloadable), a Contact Lens Fitting Tool, and a browser-based Stimulus Generator. Collectively, these tools help modernize optician practices, improve diagnostic capabilities, and extend care to patients remotely. The platform is suitable for independent opticians, hospital eye departments, occupational health teams, and school screening programs.
Key Features
- Computerized Test Charts: Industry-leading digital test charts for comprehensive vision testing, available on PC and compatible with standard optometry workflows.
- Clinical Eye Tracking & BV Analysis: Affordable eye tracking and dynamic binocular vision assessment tools, including a Virtual Synoptophore using a standard VR headset.
- Patient Self-Screening (CheckMyVision): Embed a vision screening tool directly on the practice website so patients can check their vision before their appointment.
- Contact Lens Fitting Tool: Free downloadable app that accepts prescription and keratometry readings to suggest initial parameters for RGP, soft, or soft toric contact lenses.
- Free Online Clinical Tools: A growing library of free browser-based tools including a LogMAR Scorer, Amsler Chart, Visual Stress Screener, Efron Grading Scale, and Stimulus Generator.
Use Cases
- Running comprehensive vision testing in an optician practice using digital test charts instead of traditional printed charts.
- Conducting binocular vision assessments and eye tracking evaluations using the Virtual Synoptophore or Clinical Eye Tracker at a fraction of traditional equipment costs.
- Enabling patients to pre-screen their own vision via a practice website using CheckMyVision before their scheduled appointment.
- Determining initial contact lens parameters for new patients by entering prescription and keratometry data into the free Contact Lens Fitting Tool.
- Performing domiciliary or school-based vision field screening using the portable Digital Visual Field Screener on a laptop.
Pros
- Extensive Product Range: Covers nearly every area of optometry from visual acuity and field testing to binocular vision, visual stress, and occupational screening.
- Free Tools Included: Multiple free online and downloadable tools lower the barrier to entry and provide immediate value to practitioners at no cost.
- Modernizes Traditional Workflows: Replaces bulky, expensive traditional instruments with affordable, portable, PC- and tablet-based digital alternatives.
Cons
- Highly Specialized Niche: The platform is exclusively designed for eye care professionals, making it irrelevant for anyone outside optometry or ophthalmology.
- Intermittent Tool Availability: Some tools (e.g., ReadEZ Virtual Overlay / PC Sunscreen) are listed as temporarily unavailable on the site, which may disrupt workflows.
- Limited Pricing Transparency: Pricing details for commercial products are not prominently displayed on the website; users must navigate to a separate price list page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of software does Thomson Software Solutions offer?
Thomson offers a wide range of optical software tools including computerized test charts, near vision testing apps, virtual synoptophores, clinical eye trackers, binocular vision analysers, digital field screeners, contact lens fitting tools, and patient self-screening solutions.
Are any of the tools free to use?
Yes. Thomson provides several free online tools including a LogMAR Scorer, an online Amsler Chart, a Visual Stress Screener, the Efron Grading Scale (online and downloadable), a Contact Lens Fitting Tool, and a Stimulus Generator — all accessible via the website.
What platforms are the tools compatible with?
Most commercial products are designed for Windows PCs. Some tools, such as Vision Toolbox, are available for iPad (iOS). Several free tools run entirely in a web browser and are compatible with phones, tablets, and PCs.
Who is Thomson Software Solutions designed for?
The platform is designed for opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, occupational health teams, school screening programs, and hospital eye departments — essentially any eye care professional seeking to modernize their practice.
Can patients use any of the tools themselves?
Yes. CheckMyVision allows practices to embed a vision self-screening tool directly on their website for patients to use. The online Amsler Chart is also designed for patient use, enabling them to record and share their results with a practitioner.
