Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Dr Beth Moore, Secret Harbour Veterinary Clinic, WA
This is a low-cost headlamp with a blacklight mode. It’s an inexpensive tool that offers tremendous clinical value.
What’s good about it
This straightforward little device is a game changer, allowing for hands-free use of a blacklight. I use it in almost every consult and during dental scale and cleans.
It’s invaluable when performing fluorescein eye stain tests to assess for corneal ulcers. Being able to use both hands to open the eye without having to hold a torch in your mouth is a huge improvement. It’s also handy for identifying skin lesions suggestive of ringworm.
Where this tool really shines is during routine oral exams. In the past, I often struggled to communicate the severity of dental disease to clients. Pointing out tartar build-up under standard lighting rarely translated into dental bookings. Now I dim the consult room lights, switch on the headlamp, and direct the blacklight onto the patient’s teeth. The dental calculus fluoresces pink and clients are more receptive to dental treatment recommendations. This tool not only helps convert client education into treatment acceptance, it also empowers pet owners to take dental care seriously.
The enhanced visibility during dental procedures also means I don’t need to constantly adjust the overhead light. I genuinely believe the quality of my dental work has improved since incorporating this tool.
What’s not so good
It doesn’t have the durability of high-end medical headlamps. At such a low price point, however, I can afford to keep one in every consult room, in my surgical suite, and in my house-call kit. If one breaks, it’s easy and affordable to replace.
