What is Retinal Imaging?
At Refocus Modern Eyecare, we use TWO types of retinal imaging to ensure the wellness of your eyes. We use Optos Retinal Imaging as well as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) which allows us to have a better overall view of the health of your eyes in several layers WITHOUT dilation including the retina. This is the part of the eye that can suffer from macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, melanoma, retinal holes/detachments, genetic disorders, and several other conditions. Vision loss can result from these conditions, many of which are treatable and vision loss may be prevented with early detection.
We are able to evaluate retinal health to a greater extent and have an image to compare to in the future. We have found problems ranging from minor to severe in hundreds of patients, and many times without any warning or symptoms. The doctor will review your images with you in the exam room the same day. If any problems are detected, the doctor will let you know if it requires a referral, treatment, further testing, or monitoring.
What is Optos?
Optomaps retinal imaging is a quick, easy, non-invasive ultra wide-angle high resolution photograph for doctors to evaluate the retina WITHOUT dilation. This allows our providers to discover, diagnose, and photodocument retinal pathology. Because it can usually capture more than 80% of the retina in a single image, our providers are able to detect pathology in the periphery which may go undetected using traditional examination techniques. Older imaging usually only shows 15% of the retina in a single image where many things.
What is OCT?
Optical Coherence Tomography is a non-invasive imaging tests which uses light waves to take cross sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. This can help aid in early detection and treatment of many diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, and age-related macular degeneration.
Retinal Imaging Policy
Our practice takes retinal images during every comprehensive vision exam. Although this test will add an out-of-pocket cost to each patient, we feel strongly about the benefits of this type of imaging each year. The patient cost is only $39, which is lower than most every other office that offers similar services.
FAQ
This is still considered an advanced technology that most offices in the country don’t yet have.
If you cannot afford this, please let a staff member know if this is your situation. We believe this is necessary for a thorough and complete eye exam to check the health and to detect any problems that may exist. We are keeping the cost low because we are sensitive to the extra fee, but as very new and expensive equipment, a fee is necessary.
No, we are making this our standard of care for all patients during every vision exam.
Optomap retinal imaging is for all ages. Children as young as 3 years old are usually able to do the test well. We have found serious problems in healthy young children with no complaints. If your child is physically unable to take photos there will be no charge.
No, in most cases. Optomap images allow us to see your internal ocular health without dilation during your annual vision exam. Please note that we see many patients for medical eye exams for diabetes, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other conditions. Many of these exams may still require dilation, which is typically done at a medical eye exam separate from an annual vision exam.
No, this policy applies to annual vision exams only. Medical eye exams are more problem-focused and may include dilation and/or retinal photos. Oftentimes this can be billed to medical insurance when an underlying condition is present.
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