What is optical coherence tomography (OCT)?

With every routine eye examination, we take an image of the back of your eye. This examination helps us to spot conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Our optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning technology allows us to spot these conditions even earlier. Routine and OCT images can be shared with hospital eye specialists.

OCT scanning creates a 3D, layered image of the eye, looking back to the optic nerve. Importantly, we will keep your scans on file and will be able to compare them from one eye examination to the next. You will see your scans on our screen and we will discuss them with you.

An OCT scan is separate from an NHS eye examination. This digital scan is useful for everyone as a benchmark and we will be happy to discuss this with you. Sometimes we will recommend a scan, based on your family history, age or certain health conditions.