Dr. Wolff's Stand-Up Stereoscope and Testing Protocol
Dr. Wolff adapted the stereoscope into a stand-up instrument, based on the principle that natural human posture is upright, balanced on two feet, and oriented toward distant vision. From this foundational stance, the full range of human movement emerges.
The testing protocol was designed to assess visually directed movements in a structured, sequential manner. It consists of three key sections:
- Direct Cheiroscopic Tracings
- Indirect Cheiroscopic Tracings
- Van Orden Star
1. Direct Cheiroscopic Tracings
The first two tracings assess eye-hand coordination on each side of the body separately:
- The first tracing uses one eye and one hand on the same side to trace a simple rectangle.
- The second tracing uses the opposite eye and hand for the same task.
These direct tracings provide an initial evaluation of eye-hand coordination and serve as a baseline for comparison with the subsequent indirect tracings.
2. Indirect Cheiroscopic Tracings
In indirect cheiroscopic tracings, the patient uses both eyes but only one hand:
- One eye sees only the pattern to be traced.
- The other eye sees only the pencil.
Through normal binocular function (assisted by the stereoscope's optics), the brain fuses the two images, creating the perception that the pencil is tracing directly over the pattern--when, in reality, the reproduction is being made to the side of the original pattern.
Two separate tracings are performed by shifting the pattern from one side to the other, ensuring that:
- One tracing is completed with the right hand.
- The other is completed with the left hand.
These tracings offer insights into binocular function, including quality, stability, and potential suppression issues.
3. Van Orden Star
The final phase of testing, the Van Orden Star, engages both eyes and both hands simultaneously:
- The patient must match corresponding points on both sides and draw lines that appear to connect at the center.
- This task requires precise spatial coordination and an organized visual approach.
- Beyond the final pattern, how the patient completes the task provides valuable insights into their visual processing and organizational skills.
Utilization of Test Results
Each test yields physical tracings that serve as graphic evidence of visual function. These:
- Illustrate specific visual difficulties a patient may experience.
- Provide a baseline for future comparisons, allowing assessment of progress over time.
- Allow lens trials, as the instrument includes lens wells, enabling the use of trial lenses for additional evaluations.
By combining structured assessments with recorded visual data, this testing protocol provides clinicians with a powerful tool for understanding and improving binocular vision function.
Disclaimer: Please note that the products offered on our website have not been evaluated or reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The products offered on our website are not intended to replace or substitute any advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional. It is strongly encouraged that any use of our products in an effort to improve visual skills only be done so under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Although we at Bernell choose to sell our products exclusively to healthcare professionals as they are our target market, we strongly advise that anyone who may come across our products on a secondary market consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any product. Additionally, we do not offer instructions for intended use, nor make claims for healthcare professionals, in how to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition with our products. The majority of the items offered under vision therapy or vision training categories on this site fall under the FDA's General Wellness: Policy for Low-Risk Items. For safety reasons, we do not condone the use any of our products that occlude or restrict vision in any way while participating in activities that may require unrestricted vision.
Additional Products
Bernell Advanced Standup Cheiroscope
Item #: BASCH
Bernell Advanced Standup Cheiroscope
The Bernell Advanced Stand-Up Cheiroscope builds on more than 50 years of trusted use, serving as a modern evolution of the original design by Dr. Bruce Wolff. This updated model features improved ergonomics, optical stability, and adaptability to accommodate a wide range of users and professional applications.
Designed as a versatile visual tool, it supports vision skill development and visual-motor assessment activities in educational and therapeutic environments. Key features include adjustable height, a weighted base for added stability, dimmable LED backlighting, and Brewster-type stereoscope optics calibrated for ease of use.
Each unit includes two pads of tracing forms--one for geometric tracing (SKU # VS5) and one for binocular posture-based tasks -- VO Star (SKU # VS1)--providing helpful resources for guided visual exercises.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Height: Easily adapts for both children and adults. Compatible with wheelchair users and patients over 6 feet tall.
- Stable, Weighted Base: Designed to remain steady during clinical use. Optional mounting clamps can provide extra reinforcement if needed.
- LED Backlit Work Surface: Translucent drawing surface with dimmable LED lighting ensures optimal visibility.
- Brewster-Type Stereoscope: Calibrated at optical infinity to eliminate concerns about interpupillary distance and simplify use.
Includes:
- (2) 100-sheet pad of Geometric Tracing Forms (SKU # VS5)
- (2) 100-sheet pad of Binocular Vision Space Testing Forms - VO Star (SKU # VS1)
Clinical Applications:
- Assessment and documentation of binocular vision status
- Tracing tests for identifying suppression, phorias, and visual instability
- VO Star test for evaluating spatial organization and visual-motor integration
- Vision therapy exercises for improving binocular posture and coordination
Compatible with additional tracing forms including Behavioral Vision Project and Peripheral Control options (sold separately).
Product Specifications:
- Overall Height: 37 inches
- Base Width: 9.5 inches
- Adjustable Height Range: 28 inches
- LED Backlighting: Dimmable lightbox for optimal visibility
- Power Supply: Includes 100-240V adapter with interchangeable plugs for US, EU, UK, and AUS outlets
- Lightweight & Compact Shipping Design: Redesigned for reduced weight and simplified field assembly to minimize international shipping dimensions and costs
Disclaimer: Please note that the products offered on our website have not been evaluated or reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The products offered on our website are not intended to replace or substitute any advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional. It is strongly encouraged that any use of our products in an effort to improve visual skills only be done so under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Although we at Bernell choose to sell our products exclusively to healthcare professionals as they are our target market, we strongly advise that anyone who may come across our products on a secondary market consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any product. Additionally, we do not offer instructions for intended use, nor make claims for healthcare professionals, in how to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition with our products. The majority of the items offered under vision therapy or vision training categories on this site fall under the FDA's General Wellness: Policy for Low-Risk Items. For safety reasons, we do not condone the use any of our products that occlude or restrict vision in any way while participating in activities that may require unrestricted vision.

BASCH - Bernell Advanced Standup Cheiroscope
Bernell Pay As It Earns™ Lease Program Terms:
- Down Payment Due: $150 + Shipping & Tax (if applicable)
- Lease Term: 12 months
- Monthly Payment: $64.89/month
Contact info@bernell.com to request a lease contract.
Bernell Advanced Cheiroscopic Trainer
Item #: BACT
Bernell Advanced Cheiroscopic Trainer
Our instrument is designed with a backlit focusing window that uses a dimmable light to control illumination during training, allowing you to use both opaque and transparent materials. Additionally, two knobs on each side of the unit enable you to adjust the angle for better posture while training, while a calibrated scale beneath the light window supports training cards and sheets and allows for direct prism computations at various accommodation levels.
The BACT includes a second headset at 16" for near-point training. With this product, you can expect a professional update to a commonly used product, with the added convenience of working on 110-240V and 50/60Hz for customers located outside of North America. Additionally, we provide several interchangeable foreign electrical plug formations for your convenience.
• Bernell Advanced Cheiroscope
• Extension Viewer
• 9 Durable Clear Vinyl Dry Erasable Slides (S1-S9)
• (5) 100 page padded booklets of Slides S2-S5 & S9 (VSPDD1 - Padula Diamond Drawings)
• Dry Erase Marker Set
• 2 Red Pointers
• Instruction Manual
Features:
• Cheiroscopic Trainer has dimmable LED Light Switch
Slide Descriptions
• S1 - VO Star -140mm of Separation
• S2 - Graph - 140mm of Separation
• S3 - Graph - 150mm of Separation
• S4 - Graph - 160mm of Separation
• S5 - Graph - 170mm of Separation
• S6 - Star - Standard Fusion - 75mm of Separation
• S7 - Star - Missing Fusion - 75mm of Separation
• S8 - Star - 3D Fusion - 75mm of Separation
• S9 - Padula Diamond Drawing
C --> + 0.75 | 4 --> - 1.00 |
B --> + 0.50 | 5 --> - 1.25 |
A --> + 0.25 | 6 --> - 1.50 |
0-0 --> Plano | 7 --> - 1.75 |
1 --> - 0.25 | 8 --> - 2.00 |
2 --> - 0.50 | 9 --> - 2.25 |
3 --> - 0.75 | 10 --> - 2.50 |
Disclaimer: Please note that the products offered on our website have not been evaluated or reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The products offered on our website are not intended to replace or substitute any advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional. It is strongly encouraged that any use of our products in an effort to improve visual skills only be done so under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Although we at Bernell choose to sell our products exclusively to healthcare professionals as they are our target market, we strongly advise that anyone who may come across our products on a secondary market consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any product. Additionally, we do not offer instructions for intended use, nor make claims for healthcare professionals, in how to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition with our products. The majority of the items offered under vision therapy or vision training categories on this site fall under the FDA's General Wellness: Policy for Low-Risk Items. For safety reasons, we do not condone the use any of our products that occlude or restrict vision in any way while participating in activities that may require unrestricted vision.

BACT - Bernell Advanced Cheiroscopic Trainer
Bernell Pay As It Earns™ Lease Program Terms:
- Down Payment Due: $150 + Shipping & Tax (if applicable)
- Lease Term: 12 months
- Monthly Payment: $64.89/month
Contact info@bernell.com to request a lease contract.
