Historical information

This instrument was manufactured in 1969 to a design developed in 1905. It was used in private practice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It was donated to the Optometry museum in August 2000. The instrument's inventor, Hjalmar August Schioetz (1850-1927) was born in Stavanger, Norway. He graduated in Medicine in 1877 in Kristiania. He studied ophthalmology in Vienna and in Paris. He was appointed professor of medicine with the obligation of teaching eye medicine in Kristiania in 1901. He demonstrated his tonometer in 1905 and for the next half century it was generally accepted as a reliable means of measuring intraocular pressure.

Significance

Many examples of Schiotz tonometers can be found in near-mint condition as they were superseded in the latter half of the twentieth century. Although this example is in fine condition it is not historically significant

Physical description

Cased stainless steel instrument to measure intra-ocular pressure. Grey leatherette case lined with grey satin and felt. Case contains stainless steel spring balance tonometer, convex test block and two calibration weights. Slipped within upper lining of case are a yellow card of instructions and a greencertificate of accuracy.

Inscriptions & markings

Case cover imprinted "Schioetz-Tonometer Improved". Tonometer engraved "6988" and logo of "JJW". One weight engraved "7,5", other "10"