Optomap Retinal Imaging in Whitton, Twickenham
Optomap imaging capture 82% of your retina in one scan without the need for dilating drops. Retinal tears and detachment starts where standard eye tests cannot reach and by the time they cause symptoms, the chance of a simple treatment may be too late.
Or call 020 8755 7900·Whitton, Twickenham
The Widest View of Your Retina
Standard eye examinations are able to cover up to fifteen percent of the retinal surface, but it's the outer edges where tears and detachments typically start. These are exceptionally difficult to see without dilating drops, blurring your vision for hours after assessment.
82% retinal coverage
vs ~15% with standard exam
No dilating drops
Drive straight home
Under 1 second
Fast and comfortable
Permanent photo record
Year-on-year comparison
Optomap vs Standard Examination
See What Standard Examinations Miss
Peripheral Retinal Coverage
Retinal tears and detachments usually start at the edges of the retina, which is out of sight of standard examinations. Optomap, on the other hand, covers the area that matters.
No Dilation Required
Dilating drops can be inconvenient, blurring your vision and making your eyes light sensitive for hours. Optomap eliminates the need for dilation, in the majority of cases, enabling you to drive to and from your appointment, along with returning to normal activities immediately after your exam.
Photographic Baseline
Optomap enables us to take a digital photograph for future examinations, enabling us to compare against your personal baseline, enabling us to identify even the smallest changes.
Complementary to OCT
When you combine Optomap with OCT, we have a complete picture of your retinal health. OCT retinal imaging provides information about your central retina, while Optomap offers peripheral coverage, now available at EyeSmile, outside a hospital setting.
Fast, Comfortable, Informative
No Preparation
Optomap imaging does not require eye drops or dilation, you attend your appointment as normal, driving yourself to and from our Whitton, Twickenham practice unaffected.
The Image (Under 1 Second)
A completely pain-free and fast image. You place your eye against the scanner, looking at a small target. There is a brief flash of light as the scanner captures 82% of your retina in one image.
Immediate Review
Instantly, a high-resolution image appears on the screen, which your EyeSmile optometrist reviews with you. They will take the time to explain the structures visible, while pointing out any concerns that we feel require attention.
Stored & Compared
At the end of the exam, we store your image in your records, using it in future appointments. We take the current image to overlay it to previous ones, ensuring we identify even the smallest changes.
A Wider View for Everyone
- Provided to all patients as part of our comprehensive eye examination
- Patients who have needed dilating drops in the past will find Optomap makes it unnecessary
- Recommended for patients with a history of peripheral retinal issues, including retinal tears and detachment
- Recommended for those with new floaters or flashes of light
- Patients with short-sightedness and high prescriptions have an increased risk of peripheral retinal issues
- Best suited for anyone that needs to drive or return to work immediately after the appointment
Complementary to OCT
Optomap and OCT imaging work hand in hand. Optomap provides the peripheral retina in breadth, while OCT covers the central retina. We recommend both for the majority of retinal health assessments, now offered at EyeSmile, outside a hospital eye clinic setting.
Book Optomap ImagingFrequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about Optomap? Give the EyeSmile Optical team a call today.
How is Optomap different from OCT?
Optomap imaging is a photographic technology, providing 2D wide-field colour images that cover 82% of your retina surface. OCT, on the other hand, provides a 3D cross-sectional image of the retina layer structure of the central retina. They provide different information, yet work well hand in hand. We recommend Optomap for retinal tears and detachments, while OCT is recommended for glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Does Optomap replace dilating drops?
In the majority of cases, yes. Optomap provides a wide-field coverage, meaning we do not have to dilate your eyes to view the peripheral retina. We may recommend dilating drops for specific clinical indications, though is is an exception.
How long does Optomap take?
An Optomap image literally takes less than a second for each eye, yet the positioning and review can add an additional ten minutes to your appointment.
How often should I have Optomap imaging?
At EyeSmile, we recommend Optomap once a year for adult patients. If you have peripheral retinal risks, such as floaters, flashes, high myoptia, or previous retinal pathology, we may recommend more frequent imaging.
What happens if something abnormal is found?
In the event something abnormal is detected during your Optomap exam, your EyeSmile optometrist will explain the findings to you clearly and in detail, before recommending the next step. They may recommend monitoring at more frequent intervals, refer you to your GP, or in urgent cases, they may provide a same-day referral to the hospital eye service.
Ready to Book Your Optomap Retinal Scan?
Our Whitton, Twickenham optometrists are ready to help. Book online or call us to arrange your appointment.