What is HD OCT?
It is a High Definition Laser Scanner that checks the health of various parts of the eye. The results are almost instantaneous. You will be able to view them yourself on the screen whilst the Optometrist explains their significance. They will then be stored in the computers memory for comparison with future scans.

Does it hurt?
Absolutely not, it is completely painless. There are no drops and nothing will touch your eye. The scan only takes a few seconds.

Why is it necessary?
It allows us to check more thoroughly for many eye diseases such as Glaucoma, Macula Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy (the three most common causes of blindness in the UK). Disease is found easier and earlier, therefore treatment can start sooner and has more chance of success.

Don't other checks like the 'puffer test' screen for Glaucoma?
Yes, however it is possible to have a good reading on things like the 'puffer test' and still have Glaucoma. The scanner can detect disease even before you may become aware of any change and up to five years sooner than some other tests.

I attend the Diabetic Screening Service. Do I still need a scan?
We strongly recommend all Diabetic patients attend the Screening Service. There is some similarity between our scanner and the photographs taken in the clinic. However, the scanner provides other information which cannot be obtained from photographs alone. The two services complement each other.

Why isn't the Scan included in the cost of the regular sight test?
Because the instrument provides technology way beyond that required for a standard sight test. All of our Optometrists want to provide the best eye examination that they can. This machine allows us to do that. The NHS does not pay for our equipment.

My eyes are fine, why should I bother with a Scan?
Because the scanner can detect disease before it affects your sight, therefore we can find out if there is a problem before you know you have one.

What if I don't want, or am unable to pay for a scan?
You will still receive a comprehensive sight test in the usual way. This will be at no cost to those entitled to a NHS check or at our normal fee for those who pay. If the Optometrist suspects there is eye disease, you'll be referred to the Eye Clinic in the hospital as usual.

However, if you purchase a scan then that would allow us to manage any potential problems more effectively. For example, it may prevent unnecessary visits to the hospital or in some cases mean a quicker referral for urgent treatment. Also we can monitor conditions that are not an issue at the moment but may become a problem in the future.

How much does a Scan Cost?
The fee for the Scanner is £20. This works out at less than 3p a day over the two years between eye examinations.



WHAT PATIENTS SAY
"I have had distorted vision on and off in my right eye for years. Despite several sight test, none of the Optometrists could find anything wrong. However the scanner found the problem in seconds. It was great to see what was going on at the back of my eye at last and even better to know it was nothing to worry about."
Patient AJ

"I am very pleased I had the scans done. It detected I was at risk of Narrow Angle Glaucoma. As a result I was urgently referred to the Hospital and have had Laser treatment to make sure I won't get Glaucoma. I'm happy I had treatment before the disease struck and affected my sight."
Patient MM

Davies and Jones Optometrists To make an appointment please telephone one of the practices below: Ferndale 01443 730214 Porth 01443 682284 Talbot Green 01443 223124 Treorchy 01443 773879 Treherbert 01443 775899 Dinas Powys 029 2051 4089 www.daviesandjonesoptometrists.co.uk