What is Optomap retinal imaging?

Using state-of-the-art retinal imaging technology, we’re able to look after your health like never before.

Optomap takes a digital image of your retina (the inside of the back of your eye) using Optos scanning laser technology. It enables us to effectively detect not only eye conditions but conditions that affect your general health.

We were the very first UK optical practice to have the Optomap Daytona Plus instrument delivered and during the pandemic it is proving to be more valuable than ever. With its ultra-wide imaging, it is the only technology to capture 82% of your retina in one image, enabling us to take a good look at your retina without coming close to you. 

With other traditional imaging methods, we could only capture around 15% of your retina at one time.

Early protection and detection 

Optomap allows us to screen for eye conditions and retinal disease that cause vision impairment and in extreme cases, blindness, more effectively than traditional methods of retinal imaging. Eye conditions such as AMD (age-related macular degeneration), glaucoma, melanoma and retinal detachment can be detected early.

The Optomap at Hassocks Eyecare has helped us to identify several patients with retinal detachments during routine eye examinations. All these patients have been swiftly referred and gone on to have successful corrective surgery. 

Your eyes are windows to your whole body health too. The retina is the only part of the body where it is possible to see your blood vessels directly. This gives your optician a unique insight into your general health during a regular eye examination. Early signs of conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes can be present in the periphery of your retina and with Optomap’s ultra-widefield retinal imaging, we can identify signs of these conditions before you would notice any other symptoms. 

It’s for these reasons that regular sight tests are important for your general health as well as your eyesight. 

Optomap at Hassocks Eyecare

The good news is that we include Optomap retinal imaging as standard in our private regular and GOLD eye examinations. For our NHS patients, you can choose to add Optomap to an eye examination for an additional £30 for adults and £5 for children. 

Each ultra-wide image of your retina is saved so that we can compare it next time and identify any changes.

FAQs

Why is a retinal exam so important? 

Your retina is a delicate layer of tissue that lines the back on the eye (on the inside). It provides the connection between your eye and your brain via millions of light sensitive cells, which pass neural signals via the optic nerve to your brain, enabling you to see.

Regular eye tests incorporating retinal imaging allows your optician to screen for small changes on your retina to identify any developing eye conditions and prevent vision problems. It also allows the early detection of other health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Is retinal imaging with Optomap safe for children?

Yes, Optomap is perfectly safe for children. With regular eye examinations incorporating retinal imaging, we can pick up any possible vision problems in children early and treat them appropriately. 

Does retinal imaging using laser scanning hurt?

Optomap is quick and completely painless. The image is taken in less than a second, so you won’t miss a blink! Optomap uses non-invasive, low intensity scanning lasers which creates the image of the retina.

How do I book an Optomap retinal scan?

We include Optomap as standard with every private regular and Gold eye examination. To add Optomap to an NHS eye examination, please let us know at the time of booking. An additional fee of £30 for adults and £5 for children applies.

To book an appointment, please call us on 01273 843946.