Photorefractors are objective refraction devices that determine the refractive state from the size and shape of a static light reflex in the pupil of the eye. The technique may be of interest for pediatric ophthalmology, because it can be used with small children. The refraction technique requires only little cooperation. It is able to operate from an arbitrary working distance. Both eyes are measured at the same time. The following short communication describes basic working principles and the current state of development.