The Slit-Lamp is the main piece of equipment used by optometrists and ophthalmologists to examine the eye. It consists of a binocular microscope and a bright illuminating light. It gives a magnified view of the main structures of the eye from the lids, lashes and cornea at the front of the eye to the optic nerve and retina at the back. It is also essential to examine the fitting of contact lenses on the eye and to check the cornea if the eye has been scratched or injured due to an accident. Magnification of between 10 and 40 times can be achieved.