Model note · Ophthalmoscope
Welch Allyn PanOptic Ophthalmoscope 118 Series
The PanOptic is a handheld direct ophthalmoscope head that fits Welch Allyn 3.5 V handles and wall systems, used in primary care, emergency departments and paediatric clinics for fundus examination through an undilated pupil. Its distinctive optics give about a 25 degree view of the fundus, much wider than a standard direct ophthalmoscope, at a greater working distance with a soft eyecup resting on the patient's brow. The 11820 adds a cobalt blue filter and corneal viewing lens for fluorescein checks of the cornea.
The model
Maker, model and type.
- Maker
- Welch Allyn, Inc. (Hillrom, now Baxter)
- Model
- PanOptic Ophthalmoscope 118 Series (11810, 11820)
- Device type
- Ophthalmoscope
- Main document
- Open the public document
Key specifications
What the public record says.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Models | 11810 without cobalt blue filter; 11820 with cobalt blue filter and add on corneal viewing lens | Source |
| Field of view | About 25 degrees with the eyecup half compressed against the brow | Source |
| Apertures and filters | Small, large and micro spot, slit, red free; cobalt blue (11820) and half moon (11810) as model options | Source |
| Power source | Any Welch Allyn 3.5 V handle or wall power source | Source |
| Lamp | Welch Allyn 03800-U halogen or 03800-LED only | Source |
| Dimensions and weight | 5.125 x 1.4 x 3.75 in without eyecup; 0.48 lb, 0.50 lb with eyecup | Source |
| Ingress protection | IPX0, not protected against water | Source |
| Operating environment | 10 to 49 C, 30 to 90% RH, 500 to 1060 hPa | Source |
| Standards | IEC/UL/CSA/EN 60601-1 and ISO 10943 | Source |
| Spare parts | Corneal viewing lens 11875, eyecups 11870, patient side bumper 118051, chrome ring 118027, brow rest 118052 | Source |
Recalls
Recalls.
This note lists no recalls. Check the FDA recall database for the latest record.
Safety
Safety warnings from the record.
- Light exposure at maximum intensity with the LED lamp exceeds the safety guideline after 13 minutes, cumulative over 24 hours; infants, aphakic patients and diseased eyes are at greater risk. Source
- Routine exams should take under about 60 seconds per eye and complex ones no more than three minutes in 24 hours. Source
- Keep on time to 2 minutes with at least 10 minutes off to limit lamp housing temperature. Source
- Halogen lamps are pressurised and can shatter if mistreated; switch power off before changing them. Source
- Do not immerse or sterilise the instrument and never use solvent cleaners on the lenses; not for use with flammable anaesthetics. Source
Sources
Where this note comes from.
- Welch Allyn PanOptic Ophthalmoscope 118 Series Instructions for use, DIR 80028102 Ver A (2021)
- FDA 510(k) K121405 summary, iExaminer with PanOptic
- FDA 510(k) K223381 summary, iExaminer System with PanOptic Plus
- Baxter letter on PanOptic Plus and MacroView Plus launch (Oct 2022)
- openFDA MAUDE search, PanOptic (no matches)
- openFDA recall search, PanOptic (no matches)
Not covered: There are no MAUDE reports or FDA recalls under the PanOptic name and no published error codes, so failing parts come only from the IFU troubleshooting table. No 510(k) summary was found for the ophthalmoscope head itself; the FDA records found cover the iExaminer imaging add ons. Search results indicate the original PanOptic has been discontinued in favour of the PanOptic Plus, but the product page did not render and this was not confirmed.
BMEssentia knowledge drafted from public information, reviewed by Hasan Khaled Ismail on 2026-10-24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and service manual.