techniques and retinoscopic apparatus for measuring or determining a patient &# 39 ; s optical error are disclosed . the techniques include overrefraction and can be performed from a fixed position , avoiding the practitioner &# 39 ; s need to move back and forth relative to the patient &# 39 ; s eye . equipment associated with the apparatus is adapted to record the location of the retinoscope slide during the examination to provide information concerning the optical error present in the patient &# 39 ; s eye .