Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanning is the most advanced and up to date technology available for assessing eye health and managing eye conditions. OCT scanning is the equivalent of an MRI scan of the eye.

OCT scanning allows the optometrist to see each of the distinctive layers of the retina that cannot be seen by ordinary examination. An OCT scan is non-invasive and painless, it is similar to an ultrasound, the OCT uses light rather than sound waves to give a 3D view of the different layers that make up the back of the eye. Using this technology, our optician can examine the back of your eye where problems manifest, years before they surface. This scan is then analysed to identify any problems that are existing or impending.

By looking closely at the retinas layers, OCT scanning may be able to detect underlying health conditions including:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Macular holes
• Vitreous detachment

This test usually only takes a few minutes to complete and the results are available and discussed immediately. Having this scan done at each examination allows us to build up a portfolio of eye health for each patient which can be monitored and compared to allow the earliest detection of change.