An autorefractor is a computerised device which varies its optical power mechanically, determine's the eye's refractive error, and prints out the results.
It is not possible to determine, by a fully automated mechanism, what spectacle prescription will give you the best vision. That is why a refraction (better 1, better 2 type test with real live feedback) is always necessary. However, an autorefractor can get pretty close and it serves many useful purposes, such as determining prescriptions for babies or other people who cannot give active feedback. Additionally, an autorefractor is often used to assess your refractive error so that the doctor will know which lenses to use when he starts your refraction.
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