Optometer

OPTOMETER, an instrument proposed by psychotechnician Moede for testing visual estimation ability, distinguished from many other similar apparatuses (e.g., Lehmann) by its exceptional precision. The optometer consists of two plates of mirror glass, an upper transparent one and a lower matte one, on which various lines and geometric figures are applied, which are to be matched, divided into parts, and subjected to other manipulations. These operations are carried out by means of rotating a wheel, the axis of which is located on a substantial metal frame; this wheel is equipped with a micrometer screw, allowing for the movement of the glass plates in two directions (right and left), with an accuracy of up to 0.001 mm (!). The optometer gained significant popularity during the development of psychotechnology in Central European countries, mainly in the selection of students for technical schools due to the increased importance of precision mechanical enterprises. Disadvantages of the optometer: 1) the presence of many adjacent figures that move together with the given figure and therefore distract the subject's attention; 2) the accuracy of readings depends on the position of the eye relative to the plane of the glass.