My limited experience with loops - but having taken a long time discussing with colleagues and companies is that we probably need 2.5 magnification with a wide field of view for gen. paed. surg use.

Focal lenght depends on operators hight and where your hands feel comfortable - some plastic surgeons keep their length a little longer to ensure a st. back. (Mine are 50cm being 6')

Light weight are an advantage for the longer op's and once you are sure of set up and ready to spend do.

Intra pupillary distance - practice with some variable loops and get messured - opticians tend to be a bit inacurate -  Designs for vision and Keeler good.

When you are ready fixed loops - re adjusting variable or having them nocked is a pain.

Play with loops - try others - convince your boss to buy a variable pair for the department - CLARKE optical do a variable pair at about £250.

Buy from the USA. Same price in dollars and will easily pay for the trip or conference.

Add them to the home insurance policy - £1000 pounds is a lot to replace.

Paul

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From: PAUL CHARLESWORTH <pbcharlesworth@...>
Reply-To: paediatricsurgerytrainees@yahoogroups.com
To: paediatricsurgerytrainees@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [paediatricsurgerytrainees] Surgical Loupes
Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2007 21:37:45 +0100 (BST)

I've got a pair of keeler loupes. I got the rep to come and bring lots of focal lengths and manification. went for 50cm (the cheep internet ones tend to be dental and so much shorter) 3x extended field. They are also flip-down but i don;t think it's necessary. 

Hope that helps

drclarerees <c.rees@....ac.uk> wrote:

Please can anyone recommend a company for purchasing surgical loupes?
I have finally decided to get a pair, but wanted some recommendations
before forking out huge amounts of money. What magnification / focal
length do people have? Do people recommend flip up ones or in lens
ones? Which are the lightest?
Any tips (including negative recommendations) gratefully received.
Thanks,
Clare.