OCT & Wide-field Retinal Imaging

An OCT scan is also known as an optical coherence tomography scan.

It’s a technique that uses specialised light waves to capture images of the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye) and other surrounding parts of the eye.

The OCT experience

We’ve been using OCT technology for over 15 years and were one of the first practices in West London to implement it.

It’s non-invasive and just requires you to rest your chin on a support while looking into the machine. You’ll track a green light with your eye – and the equipment does the rest.

We use the REVO 80 OCT machine, which gives us high-quality scans of your retina, macula (the part of the retina used for central vision and colours), and the optic disc (the last part of the optic nerve, which transfers the information to the brain).

It also carries out a wider external scan and takes other important measurements such as corneal thickness (the dome-shaped outer layer of the eye).

How long does it take?

Not long! Typically, the process takes around 10 minutes, which includes talking you through the process.

What does it show and do I need one?

OCT scans help us to diagnose a variety of conditions by showing us:

a colour-coded cross-section of the eye
the condition of the macula
any fluid build-up
problems with the optic nerve
development of any retinopathy (eye diseases)
the axial length, a measurement that can be important in determining if there are any refractive issues or shortsightedness

As many eye conditions develop with age, we recommend having OCT scans for those aged 30 and over, and axial length measurements for children to catch any issues early on.

The level of detail provided by an OCT scan is also helpful should you need to be referred to an ophthalmologist for further assessment.

How does it benefit me?

OCT scans play an important part in:

the early detection of eye diseases
monitoring any progression of issues and/or treatment
allowing for informed decision-making
giving you that highly sought-after peace of mind

Eidon Ultra-Widefield Scanner

We’re proud to be one of the few opticians in West London to offer imaging with the EIDON Ultra-Widefield scanner. This advanced piece of technology allows us to capture incredibly detailed, high-quality images of the back of your eye — and not just a small section, but up to 200 degrees in a single scan. That’s a much wider view than traditional imaging, helping us spot changes or signs of disease in areas that are often missed with standard equipment.

One of the biggest benefits of the EIDON scanner is that it works brilliantly even for people with small pupils or early cataracts, and often doesn’t require eye drops to dilate the eyes. The process is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive — and the detailed images it provides help us monitor your eye health more accurately over time. It’s just one of the ways we use cutting-edge technology to deliver thorough, personalised eye care.

Discover what makes an EIDON Ultra-Widefield Scan different from a standard eye exam in our blog here

Other technologies

Thomson Test Chart

Rather than a box on the wall, this is an advanced digital computerised examining chart where we are able to utilise many different visual images to ensure you are getting the very best from your vision. We can adapt the chart as required including images for children.

Henson 9000 Visual Field Analyser

Non-invasive where you focus on a number of lights in your periphery vision which allows us to ensure your outer vision is working correctly and helps to detect conditions like glaucoma and stroke.

CV 5000 Pro Auto-Phoropter

When you visit you don’t need to wear a heavy frame when having your eyes tested. The CV 5000 sits in front of your eyes and contains lenses to check your vision with comfort and ease when checking your vision.

Medmont Topographer

Measures the shape of your eye and helps to assess for ‘Night Lens’ fittings, ‘Day Lens’ fittings, and to assess the development of conditions such as Keratoconus.

Keeler Symphony Digital Slit Lamp:

Used to examine your eyes in greater detail using a high-intensity light source that can be focused to shine a thin sheet of light into your eye. It also allows us to view the image of your outer eye to check the current health of your eye so we can see any changes every time you visit us.

Dispensing Visioffice 3

Our Visioffice 3 suite is also used frequently to give customised measurements for lenses (including Essilor digital, Varilux and Varilux XR Pro), more accurate vision correction, and enables us to compare frames for style options.