| Description | This is a distance eye test chart. It is composed of three white squared cardboards taped together using fabric plaster. Each one has different letters printed in black ink: the first reads “D=50” and “D=30 H W”. The second panel reads “D=20 S V K”, “D=15 B T Z U”, and “D=10 M G E Y H”. The last one reads “D=7 N Q S F B P”, “D=5 K T W G X V R”, “D=4 R F M P Z”, and “The types to be used at a distance of 5 metres.” In italics, it says “Printed by Geo. & Sons, to the design of W.A.Dixey”.
The first panel features two holes with metal hole reinforcements, with a raffia string passing through. The chart is damaged with stains, signs of wear and tear, and has markings with pen and pencil. The design of the chart refers to the 1934 patent of W.Dixey. This chart would have been used for assessing visual acuity by having the patient read the letters from a specified distance, helping to diagnose vision problems. |