OCT & Retinal Imaging
Giving our optometrists a detailed view of your eye health, helping detect and monitor changes that may not be visible in a standard eye examination.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and Retinal Imaging
Advanced imaging helps our optometrists look beyond your prescription and examine the health of your eyes in greater detail.
OCT and digital retinal imaging provide different, complementary views of the retina and optic nerve. Together, they can help our optometrists detect, assess and monitor changes in your eye health over time.
What is OCT?
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retina.
It allows your optometrist to examine the individual layers of the retina in far greater detail than a standard retinal photograph alone.
OCT can be particularly valuable when assessing and monitoring conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.
Why might your optometrist recommend an OCT?
- Quick, comfortable and non-invasive
- Provides detailed images of the layers beneath the retinal surface
- Helps identify subtle changes that may not be visible during a routine examination
- Creates a baseline for comparison at future visits
- Helps monitor changes in known or suspected eye conditions
- Provides additional clinical information to assist with diagnosis and management
What is Retinal Imaging?
Digital retinal imaging captures a high-resolution photograph of the back of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve, macula and retinal blood vessels.
It gives your optometrist a detailed record of the appearance of your eyes and allows images to be compared over time.
Why have retinal imaging?
- Creates a visual record of your eye health
- Helps identify changes in the retina, macula and optic nerve
- Allows your optometrist to compare images between visits
- Can reveal retinal changes associated with conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Supports the early identification and monitoring of eye disease
Two Different Views of Your Eye Health
Retinal imaging shows the surface appearance of the back of the eye, while OCT provides a detailed cross-sectional view of the retinal layers beneath it.
Used together where clinically appropriate, they give your optometrist a more comprehensive picture of your eye health.
Contact us today for an appointment at your local Options Optometrists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can an OCT scan detect?
An OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) can help diagnose many eye conditions, including:
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Retinal detachment
- Macular edema
- Central serous retinopathy
- Vitreomacular traction
- Epiretinal membrane
- Retinal vein occlusion
What is the difference between OCT and retinal imaging?
Retinal imaging involves capturing two-dimensional images of the back of the eye, whereas an OCT creates a more detailed three-dimensional view of the retina. Both OCT and retinal imaging are used by optometrists to monitor the health of your eye, however they provide different information.
Is my OCT scan bulk billed?
Medicare does not cover OCT scans. If we recommend an OCT scan, we’ll explain why it may be helpful, discuss the cost and answer any questions you have. You can then decide whether you’d like to go ahead.
Is OCT or retinal photography uncomfortable?
Absolutely not! Both tests are non-invasive and cause no discomfort.
How long do the tests take?
Typically, each test takes just a few minutes and provides instant insights into your eye health.
Do I need to prepare in any way?
No special preparations are needed. Just come as you are!