OCT TESTING

Oakmead Opticians have invested in the latest REVO OCT testing equipment.

OCT testing, or to give it its long name, Optical Coherence Tomography, is now available at for NHS and private patients.For many years OCT testing was used in eye hospitals and for research purposes only. But now this state-of-the-art eye technology is available in independent opticians; and Oakmead Opticians have invested in the super fast REVO OCT eye scanner.

OCT testing is not part of the NHS Eye Test but is performed as part of an extended eye test.
Optical Coherence Tomography utilises complex technology used to create images of the eye and, in particular, the layers of the retina. The retina is the light sensitive area at the back of the eye, equivalent to film in a camera or CCD in a digital camera.

Does the scan hurt?
OCT testing is simple and non-invasive, taking only a few minutes to complete. There are no flashing lights or other nasty surprises! The imaging test uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of your retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.

What does the optician see from OCT testing?
By using the Optical Coherence Tomography machine the optician is instantly given the results of your scan so he/she can pick up any earlier signs of deterioration in your eyes. This means treatment options can be assessed and implemented before the problem becomes serious.

In addition, OCT testing is often used to evaluate disorders of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibres and sends signals from the retina to the brain. These signals are interpreted as the images you see. OCT testing is helpful in determining changes to the fibres of the optic nerve, such as those caused by glaucoma.