UKO Hand-held binocular slit lamp biomicroscope
 Catalogue Number: 3522 UKO Hand-held binocular slit lamp biomicroscope Category: Equipment Sub-Category: Slit lamp Biomicroscope Year Of Publication/Manufacture: c 1970 Time Period: 1940 to 1999 Place Of Publication/Manufacture: London, UK Publisher/Manufacturer: United Kingdom Optical Company (UKO) Description Of Item: Hand-held binocular slit lamp biomicroscope, black enamelled metal, 240 L x 155 W x 155 H mm, converging binocular viewing optics, 100 mm long illumination optics mounted on an arc shaped plate at a fixed angle with a sliding two-position mask for slit or broad beam illumination, a white plastic grip handle and a protruding spring loaded post with finger hook for steadying the instrument against the patient's cheek. Marked on handle ' MADE BY / UKO / B&L / ENGLAND' within a shield shape, and the number '2389' below. Engraved on the left eye piece is the name of the prevous owner ' R. Kaye ' Historical Significance: This instrument was owned by Sydney optometrist, Robert Kaye, known for his quickness adopting new technology. Australian optometrists began using slit lamps in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Kaye probably bought this instrument. The instrument is marked UKO and B&L. UKO was large successful optical product and ophthalmic instrument maker founded in 1929 and based in England. It reached an agreement of technical cooperation with Bausch and Lomb , USA, in 1950, so this instrument was first made sometime after that date. The company was dissolved about 2005 but most likely had ceased trading and became dormant in 1987. See https://www.duedil.com/company/gb/00277314/united-kingdom-optical-company-limited How Acquired: Donated by Robert Kaye, Sydney optometrist Date Acquired: Mar 2014 Condition: Good except lamp housing missing and black enamel chipped Location: Archive room. West wall. Unit 4 Drawer 5 |