Setting up an ophthalmology suturing lab at home is becoming increasingly popular for residents and young ophthalmologists who want to refine their surgical skills. Since our surgical specialty uses a lot of magnification, a microscope is essential to the setup, enabling precision and accuracy during practice. In this guide, we’ll walk you through buying the best microscope and how to set up an ophthalmology microscope at home.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The microscopes mentioned in this article should ONLY be used for training purposes and should NEVER be used to perform surgery or medical procedures on patients.
If also want to set up a full suturing lab, check out our guide on How to Make an Ophthalmology Suturing Dry Lab at Home with links to the necessary instruments.
Purchasing the Right Microscope
If you're thinking about buying a microscope for home use, you may go for different options depending on your budget. I have listed some recommendations below. Ranging from budget-friendly to more advanced setups, including my current setup and personal recommendation.
1. Industrial Binocular Stereo Microscope Magnification 56 Adjustable LED Lights Big Table Microscope Zoom 7X-50X 3.5X-90X
Price: €160 / $152.47
Purchase Link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmmg8XD
The first option is the most affordable one. But keep in mind, it comes with a relatively high shipping fee. This ophthalmology microscope setup is a good choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Pros:
Affordable
Decent quality optics
Comes with all of the necessary attachments
Cons:
High delivery costs
No camera
Fixed stand
No lateral movement
2. Binocular Microscope Stereo microscopes Bracket Double Arm Desk Clamp Bracket WF10X/20mm large field Lens, 7X-90X Continuous Zoom
Price: 294,39€ // 242.40 USD
This setup is good for an ophthalmology microscope and is more like a midrange option. It offers better features and higher optical quality. However, the shipping fee can still be quite high.
Pros:
Affordable
Adkistable back and forth
Stable
Good quality optics
Cons:
High delivery costs
No camera
No lateral movement
3. Simul-Focal Trinocular 0.5X 0.7X 2X Barlow Lens 20X Eyepiece Phone Repair PCB Soldering Stereo Microscope 3.5X 90X 180X Zoom
Price: 291,69€ / $314.30
Purchase Link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCTWk6f
This is one of the advanced trinocular microscopes with a wide range of zoom lenses and objectives included. You can attach a camera with a different quality on top of it.
Pros:
Affordable
Mobile in all directions
Stable
Good quality optics
Free Delivery included
Camera available as an additional option
Cons:
Medium zoom range
4. Stereo Trinocular Microscope 4K 48MP 1080P HDMI VGA USB Video Camera Fixed Folding Extension Type Base Set, 3.5-200X Simul-Focal
Price: 335,39€/ $290.60
Purchase link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdrknTd
This ophthalmology microscope option balances affordability with quality. The setup has great optical performance and lower shipping costs, making it a solid pick for ophthalmologists looking for a long-term investment.
Pros:
Mobile in all directions
Stable
Good quality optics
Free Delivery included
Camera available as an additional option
Wide zoom range
Cons:
Desk mounted (you have to drill holes in your desk)
5. Simul Focul Parfocal Stereo Trinocular Microscope Objective Lens 55MP 48MP 24MP 4K HDMI USB Type C Digital Camera, 3.5X-100X 200X (My current setup)
Price: €273.61 / $288.96
Purchase Link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFAwgC3
This is the ophthalmology microscope setup I currently use, and I highly recommend it. The setup comes with a variety of attachments and a 4K camera, perfect for recording and sharing your work. It’s versatile and allows you to save and stream videos—a big advantage for those wanting to document their progress.
Pros:
Mobile in all directions
Stable, C Mounted to your deck
Good quality optics
Camera available as an additional option
Wide zoom range
Cons:
No setup-up guide
Considerations Before Buying an Ophthalmology Microscope
Pricing
Depending on where you are located and where you want to ship the microscope, you will get a different price. So make sure to explore different products and see their final price.
Mounting System
Pay attention to the mounting system of your ophthalmology microscope. Some microscopes require you to drill through your desk or workspace for mounting. Others come with a more user-friendly C-clamp. I recommend the C-clamp models. They are stable, and secure and do not require extra drilling or setup tools.
Delivery Fees
Most of these microscopes are shipped from China. Shipping fees can differ depending on the warehouse location. Models with lower shipping costs often come from warehouses, located in Europe, which may also result in faster delivery. Always check delivery fees before purchasing.
Customs Tax
Shipping international products comes with additional fees including customs. The average international customs tax typically ranges between 5% and 10% of the product cost. Check your local customs laws for calculating the exact amount before ordering an ophthalmology microscope.
Account Setup on The Platform You Are Ordering From
Before ordering, make sure to register an account. While I didn’t have any issues, in some reviews other users have reported occasional problems with damaged parts during shipment. In such cases, the platform typically compensates customers through their claims process, but only if you have an account. Being prepared in advance can save you a lot of trouble.
Setting Up Your Ophthalmology Microscope
After purchasing the ophthalmology microscope, follow these steps to set it up in your home lab. I did not find any instructions in the box on how to set up mine, but it was pretty intuitive and you cannot set it up in a wrong way.
Setup time required - around 15-30 min.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Plan where you will place your surgical microscope and ensure that the space is large enough to accommodate the microscope.
If using a C-clamp, attach it to a sturdy edge of your desk. You may need to drill holes in your desk for some of the models.
Step 2: Attach the Microscope
Secure the microscope to the C-clamp or desk mount. Make sure everything is tightly fastened to avoid any movement during use.
Attach the other parts of the microscope arm starting from the bottom and working yourself up.
Attach the microscope head and oculars at the very end.
Step 3: Connect the Camera (Optional)
If your setup includes a camera, attach it to the microscope’s camera port.
Connect the camera to your computer or an external display if you wish to record or stream your practice sessions.
Step 4: Calibration
Once the microscope is securely mounted, adjust the lenses to achieve the desired magnification level.
Adjust the light and focus controls to ensure optimal focus and maximal visibility.
Conclusion
Creating an ophthalmology microsurgery dry lab at home is a great way to practice and refine your microsurgical skills. The ophthalmology microscope is one of the key tools for this setup, and choosing the right is very important.
Feeling excited to practice your skills? You are ready for the next step! Good luck with your home microsurgery setup!
Disclosure: This webpage contains affiliate links, which help support us and keep the website running. The recommendations are genuine and are NOT sponsored. Explore other options yourself, and if you find something better, let us know so we can include it. - Atanas Bogoev, MD