78D double aspheric ophthalmic diagnostic lens — the widest-field indirect fundus lens in the standard slit-lamp lens family, ideal for peripheral retinal survey, retinal tear + detachment screening, and dynamic fundoscopy in small pupils. The original 78D started the slit-lamp fundus examination revolution + remains a peripheral-retina workhorse. Small aperture ring is optimized for dynamic movement through small undilated pupils. Anti-reflection coated glass. Non-contact (patient comfort — no anaesthetic drop, no coupling gel). $99.99 direct — versus $275-$450 for Volk V78 / Ocular MaxLight 78D / Nikon 78D branded equivalents.
✓ 78D Power✓ Widest Field of View in Class (~81°)✓ 0.93× Image Mag✓ Small Pupil Optimized✓ Dynamic Fundoscopy Ideal✓ AR Multi-Layer Coated✓ Non-Contact✓ Includes Protective Case
Applications
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Peripheral retinal survey — the widest-field slit-lamp lens for scanning far-peripheral retina in one view
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Retinal tear + detachment screening — the primary diagnostic use, particularly for high-myope + trauma + PVD-symptom patients
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Diabetic retinopathy screening — peripheral hemorrhages, microaneurysms, NVE (neovascularization elsewhere)
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Lattice degeneration surveillance — annual monitoring of at-risk peripheral retina
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Post-vitrectomy periphery check — post-op peripheral inspection after retinal surgery
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Small-pupil fundus exam — the 78D's smaller aperture works through undilated pupils better than the 90D
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Dynamic fundoscopy — sweep the lens laterally for real-time wide-field survey
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Optometry teaching + residency training — the essential second lens after the 90D
Specifications
| Lens power |
78 diopters (D) — wide-field indirect biomicroscopy |
| Field of view |
~81° static / ~97° dynamic (widest in standard slit-lamp lens family) |
| Image magnification |
0.93× (image slightly minified — trade-off for wide field) |
| Optics |
Double aspheric glass — corrects field curvature, astigmatism, spherical aberration, and coma |
| Aperture |
Small aperture ring — optimized for small pupils + dynamic fundoscopy |
| Coating |
Anti-reflection multi-layer coating (reduces glare + improves peripheral contrast) |
| Contact |
Non-contact (no anaesthetic drop, no coupling gel, no corneal risk) |
| Case |
Includes hard protective storage case |
78D vs 90D vs 60D — which do you need?
| Lens |
Field of view |
Image mag |
Best for |
| 60D |
~68° |
1.15× |
Highest magnification — optic nerve detail + macular pathology microscopy. Slower to use. |
| 78D (this lens) |
~81° static / ~97° dynamic |
0.93× |
Widest field — peripheral retinal survey, tear/detachment screening. THE small-pupil workhorse. |
| 90D |
50° static / ~74° dynamic |
2.97× |
Daily-use workhorse — balances field + mag for general fundus, optic nerve, macula. Best "first lens". |
Practical order: most practitioners buy 90D first (general workhorse), then 78D second (peripheral + tear screening). 60D is a specialist third lens for detailed macular work. Bundle SciMed 90D + 78D + 60D for a full-fundus exam set (see B2B bundle discount below).
Comparison to premium branded 78D lenses
| Brand / Model |
Power |
FOV |
Coating |
Price |
| Volk V78 (Superfield) |
78D |
~81° static |
AR + antifog |
$425-$525 |
| Ocular MaxLight 78D |
78D |
~81° |
Ocular's OQM coating |
$350-$425 |
| Nikon 78D |
78D |
~80° |
Nikon multi-coat |
$275-$350 |
| SciMed 78D |
78D |
~81° static / 97° dynamic |
AR multi-layer |
$99.99 |
Best for
- Ophthalmology + optometry practices (peripheral retina exam is essential)
- Retina specialists (primary tool for peripheral tear/detachment screening)
- Optometry + ophthalmology residency programs (second essential fundus lens)
- Community + rural eye clinics (cost-effective peripheral screening)
- International eye NGOs — Aravind, LV Prasad, Fred Hollows, Sightsavers, ORBIS
- Backup / spare lens for busy multi-lane practices
- International DDP procurement for global eye-care programs
Buying for a practice, residency, or eye NGO?
- Volume pricing on 3+ lenses (multi-provider practice or residency cohort)
- Net-30 invoicing for verified academic + NGO + practice accounts
- SAM.gov / VA compliant for federal + academic ophthalmology
- Bundle with 20D + 90D + 60D + Gonioscope lenses — SciMed complete fundus + angle exam kit at package discount
- International DDP shipping — global eye NGO + academic procurement
Email procurement →(669) 265-9353
FAQ
90D or 78D — which first for a new residency starter kit?
90D first (the primary daily-driver). 78D second — for peripheral survey + tear/detachment screening. Most residents own both by end of PGY-1. Buying together via SciMed bundle discount is the value play (~$180 for both vs $99.99 each individually).
How does this compare to Volk V78 Superfield?
Volk V78 Superfield is the industry gold standard — 20+ years of professional use, premium AR + antifog coating, tight machining. This SciMed 78D matches the optical prescription (78D double aspheric) + similar FOV. Volk's coating longevity + longer warranty are the meaningful differences. Price differential: $99.99 vs $425-$525. For residency training + community clinic + NGO + international market, SciMed hits the value sweet spot.
Can I use this through small undilated pupils?
Yes — this is one of the 78D's strengths. The smaller aperture ring works better through undilated 3-4mm pupils than the 90D. If patient dilation is limited (post-cataract, elderly, pilocarpine users), the 78D gives you a cleaner view than the 90D can achieve.
Care + cleaning?
Wipe with lens tissue + optical cleaner between patients. Soft brush + air puff to remove dust. Never touch lens surface (skin oils degrade AR coating). Store in hard case. Do NOT use alcohol-based clinical disinfectants — only lens-cleaning-specific solutions.
