At M S Kalsi Opticians we routinely perform retinal fundus photography. This is a highly specialized form of medical imaging, devoted to the study and treatment of ocular disorders.

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The Fundus is the only place in the body where nerve fibres and blood vessels can easily be seen making retinal images invaluable in monitoring the progression of systemic conditions such as diabetes as well as to record ocular health.

We keep all photos on record and can email them to you as part of the service.

 

The Optomap ultra-wide digital imaging system  (Surbiton Only) allows us to capture more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic image. Without retinal imaging, we are only able to see 10-12% at any one time. The Optomap enhances our ability to detect even the earliest sign of disease that presents on your retina. Seeing most of your retina at one time allows us time to discuss your retina with you and allows you to see what we see!

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One of the greatest benefits of Optomap is our ability to save and store the images on your file, allowing us to compare images at future examinations. As a result, we are able to monitor your retina much more accurately over the years.

 

 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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1. What is the optomap?

The optomap exam helps us check the health of your retina and allows us to see a much greater area of the retina at one time than we have in the past.

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2. Why have you not offered it before?

It is a new technology which now means that we can offer you the most advanced eye exam available.

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3. Who invented it?

A Scotsman whose son went blind after a tear in his retina was not identified early enough. Having seen his son go through many traumatic examinations, he set about trying to develop something which would make it easier to see all around the retina.

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4. What technology does it use?

Low powered lasers are used to take the image. The level of laser light is so low it is not harmful to the eyes.

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5. What safety checks have been performed to make sure it is safe?

The product has been rigorously tested by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been passed as safe. It has also been tested in Europe and is CE marked, ensuring it is safe to use in patients.

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6. Is this examination better than the one I usually have?

When you come in for an eyesight test, we always check the back of your eye, the retina. The scopes or lenses used only allow a small area of the retina to be seen at one time. The optometrist gets a better view of your retina by moving around the area trying to make sure he sees as much of the retina as possible. The optomap exam allows a much bigger area to be seen at once and also gives us a digital image we can review with you.

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7. If I don’t want an optomap examination, will I still receive a good examination?

We will always offer you a very high standard of care. We think the optomap significantly increases the level of care we can offer you and that is why we would recommend you accept this examination.

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8. How long will the examination take?

Around 5-10 minutes.

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9. When will the results be available?

Your image will be displayed on screen after the examination – literally a few seconds after. This will be transferred to your optometrist who will talk through the image with you explaining what is seen.

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10. What will happen if there is a suspicious area on my retina?

The optomap is a screening tool and is very useful for detecting early signs of diseases or conditions affecting the retina, such as:

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• Macular Degeneration

• Retinal Detachment

• Glaucoma

• Diabetic Retinopathy

• Hypertension

• Melanoma

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For more information on these click here

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If the optometrist sees something they are unsure of, they will perform another examination to get a closer look at what they have seen. We also work alongside an ophthalmologist who we can send the images to for further investigation. They aim to get back to us within 24-48 hours with a diagnosis. If we believe it to need urgent attention we will refer you to see an ophthalmologist.

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11. What does the examination cost?

The optomap imaging is £30 for adults and for children £15.

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12. Can children have the examination?

Yes – this is an excellent examination we would recommend for children.

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13. Can I wear contact lenses during the examination?

Yes – we can take the image without you having to remove your lenses.

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14. Do I need to have my eyes dilated to have the examination?

No – there is no need for dilation.

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15. Will I be left with any blurred vision after the examination?

No –You can get back to normal activities immediately after the exam.

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16. I have diabetes – is it okay for me to have this test?

Absolutely – in fact it is essential you have the examination, as people who have diabetes are particularly prone to problems with the retina that could lead to blindness. We’d recommend you have an examination every year.

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17. I have a cataract; can I have this test?

The instrument can image through certain cataracts so you should have the exam.

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18. I am pregnant; can I have the test done?

Yes – the exam is perfectly safe.

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19. I am epileptic; can I have the test done?

The device uses flashes of laser light and some patients with epilepsy may be sensitive to flashes of light. Caution should therefore be exercised for patients who have a history of reaction to camera flashes or strobe lighting.

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20. I have a pacemaker; can I have the test done?

Yes – the instrument uses technology that does not involve powerful magnets or pulses of energy which would affect a pacemaker.

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