This post is a review of the newly-launched “OptoKit by AK“. I was lucky enough to have an early-peek at this new project by Aaminah Khan and I have offered to write a review based on my findings of this new clinical kit, after putting it to the test in several of my clinics.
Several readers have asked for my opinion on this new kit, as such I felt it important to share it officially. The links here are not affiliate links and I do not earn commission from sales made through this article.
The Chaos of Storage and the Need for a Dedicated Clinical Kit
I am not sure about you, but as a locum optometrist, I have spent years trying to transport my essential equipment in just about everything. My track record has been a series of varying successes and mostly failures. First came the fraying secondary school rucksack. It was desperate for retirement and definitely lacked the correct homes for my delicate equipment.
Then came the brown leather briefcase. This was a lovely gift from my parents because it “looked the part”, but it was far too thin and a total pain to lug around. I moved on to a “tidy” backpack, a GP-designed bag with all the wrong pocket sizes, and finally a cabin suitcase that required a mission just to access a single item.
As a profession, we carry incredibly expensive and highly specific tools. The lack of a proper storage solution breeds what I call “equipment anxiety.” We all know the feeling.
“Did I remember to pack everything in the morning?”
“What about that mad rush at the end of the day when the clinic runs late?”
It is a stressful scramble to gather your things and get out the door, especially if you are a locum that knows won’t be working there the next day. There is nothing worse than driving an hour out of your way to retrieve a forgotten Volk lens. The fact that a purpose-built clinical kit gives everything a designated place means you can actively see what is packed, ensuring nothing is left behind.
Unboxing a Premium Experience
My hopes were high for the OptoKit by AK. The unboxing process was like unwrapping layer after layer of pampering. The lovely shipping box proudly displays a core mantra:
“Protected. Professional. Proud.”
Each stage of the unwrapping revealed an additional level of care. It was clear that genuine thought had been given to the optometrist receiving it. It felt like a real treat, and I have never really had that experience before (let alone regarding receiving optometry equipment). If you are considering buying this as a gift for a loved one graduating into the profession, they will absolutely love the unboxing experience.
The bag itself feels designer and high quality. If I did not know it was an equipment storage solution, I would have assumed it was a luxury bag. It is not something I personally would have ventured out to buy as a fashion accessory, but as a product for my test room, it feels highly affordable.
The Reality of this Premium Clinical Kit
Walking into a new practice with this bag fundamentally shifts how you feel and how you are perceived. There is no doubt about it, it looks profoundly professional. It is aesthetically pleasing and designed to command attention.
In my old rucksack, I have been known to spend a minute or two anxiously searching for an occluder or a spare lens that I forgot to unpack first thing in the morning. Now, everything has a dedicated home. It feels nice to use, and it certainly looks the part in a professional setting. The transformation is so noticeable that I have even had a patient ask about it. They remarked on how lovely it looked and assumed it was a designer piece rather than a functional clinical kit. I never got this from my fraying old rucksack!
Practicality in the Test Room
Aesthetically, it is a triumph, but how does it handle the rigours of day-to-day work? The short answer is that there is room for all your essentials…and a bit more!
There are dedicated straps for the retinoscope, ophthalmoscope, and trial frame. I will note that when the product is brand new, these straps are quite tight. It can be just a little tricky to insert things at the very end of the day. However, I would much rather have this than a loose fit. It proves the material is highly durable and has the room to give over extended use throughout a long career.
The internal layout is highly logical. The slots for three Volk lenses are brilliant. I carry a 90D, a SuperField, and a 66D. I can easily see which lens is which, saving me from opening multiple identical cases that just say “Volk Double Aspheric.” While I still prefer having the lenses and cases directly on my slit lamp table during an exam, the storage is practically flawless. Just remember to pack a case or an arm-rest – especially if you are like me and use the Volk case as an arm rest!
Furthermore, there is plenty of room for auxiliary items. My Keeler Crowded LogMAR booklet fits nicely inside, meaning I am always ready to go – even if my next patient is a young child.
The Verdict: Why Your Next Clinical Kit is an Investment
Let us evaluate the major pros and cons. The primary wins perfectly mirror the brand’s mantra. It is highly durable and keeps your tools completely protected. It is neat and tidy, which elevates your professional image. Finally, it gives you something to be proud of in practice. Protected. Professional. Proud.
For the minor tweaks, the tight straps require a brief breaking-in period. As for a more honest con, we must discuss the price. For many students, the price tag of a high-end storage solution may be off-putting, especially when funds are exceptionally low during Pre-Reg or CLiP.
However, logic dictates that we look at the bigger picture. Choosing a high-quality clinical kit is an economy of scale. Over the years, I have easily spent just as much on lousy alternatives that failed to do the job. More importantly, the OptoKit is a relatively small price to pay when you consider the contents inside often cost well over ten to twenty times the price of the bag itself. Protecting that investment makes the price entirely reasonable. It is effectively a hidden pro.
To help alleviate the cost for my colleagues, I have secured a 20% discount for members of The Eye Care Advocate Community platform*. Should you join, the discount this code offers you on this product is actually greater than the cost of 2 month’s subscription to The Eye Care Advocate Community!
Final Recommendations for the Profession
I truly believe every optometrist can benefit from this clinical kit. Dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians find it valuable, though some specific pockets may be less relevant to their daily workflow.
This design truly excels is the locum market. When locums carry a full set of equipment between different practices, you need a reliable way to keep it safe. If you are a resident, it is also a savvy investment. It keeps equipment safe and protected overnight, which is infinitely better than leaving expensive tools on a side counter to be knocked off or damaged.
Huge thanks to Aaminah Khan for allowing me to be an early tester. It has been a genuine pleasure to finally use something designed by an optometrist, for optometrists. I have a feeling this is the clinical kit that will see me through to the end of my career. I can now finally ditch my old schoolbag!
The OptoKit by AK currently comes in a single style with two colour options: The 6:36 Phantom (Black) or the Limited Edition 6:36 Forest. To see the specification and for further information, please follow the links below to go to the appropriate product page.
*Please note that both The Eye Care Advocate and OptoKit by AK reserve the right to revoke this discount at any time. If signing up to The Eye Care Advocate Community purely to access this deal – please contact us in the first instance to ensure it is still active.
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