We take immense pride in being the leading optometrists in Strood to offer the revolutionary Optomap technology, now available at Niall O'Kane Optometrists. Combined with the state-of-the-art Heidelberg Spectralis OCT examination, Optomap provides an unparalleled view of the retina, the crucial inner lining of your eyes responsible for vision. With this cutting-edge technology, we can conduct quick, painless, and non-invasive examinations that proactively detect potential diseases long before they pose a serious threat to your sight.

What is Optomap?

Optomap is an extraordinary imaging technology that enables our skilled clinicians to capture a highly detailed and comprehensive 270-degree ultra-widefield image of your retina. This incredible scan offers unparalleled insights into the health of your eyes, helping us detect and monitor various conditions, including retinal tears, detachments, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal naevi.

Your Optomap Scan Experience

During your visit to Niall O'Kane Optometrists, our friendly staff will guide you through the Optomap scan process. You'll simply need to look at a target in the device, and within seconds, the state-of-the-art technology will capture the ultra-widefield, high-definition image of your retina. The entire process is quick, painless, and takes less than a minute to complete. Our experienced clinicians will then carefully analyse the Optomap image to identify any potential issues.

Detecting Sight-Threatening and Life-Changing Conditions with Optomap

Optomap scans are instrumental in diagnosing a wide range of conditions that may impact your retina and overall general health. Alongside monitoring common eye conditions like macular degeneration, myopic retinal degeneration, retinal atrophy, and retinal schisis, Optomap excels at identifying serious pathology that could significantly affect your vision and well-being.

Some of the sight-threatening diseases and life-changing conditions that can be identified through an Optomap exam include:

Eye Cancer

Detecting eye cancer in its early stages is crucial for effective treatment. Our advanced Optomap scans offer a comprehensive peripheral examination with ultrawide-field capabilities and a dilated 200-degree retinal view. This cutting-edge technology enables us to identify potential signs of eye cancer, like melanoma, with greater accuracy.

 Find out more about Optomap scans and Melanoma here.

Cardiovascular Disease

Did you know that your retina is the only place in your body that allows for a non-invasive examination of arteries and veins? The Optomap Eye Scanner allows us at Niall O'Kane Optometrists, to conduct retinal vasculature analysis which can provide crucial indicators of your cardiovascular health. By carefully analysing and comparing retinal arteries and veins, we can screen for potential cardiovascular issues and act as a predictive factor in determining your heart health.

Stroke

Strokes can have severe consequences, and early detection is vital for preventive measures. Our Optomap UltraWideField examinations enable us to perform detailed examinations of retinal vessels, including potential blockages. These blockages in retinal vasculature can lead to sight-threatening conditions like retinal vein and artery occlusions—a medical emergency in the eye. Moreover, they can also serve as predictive factors for strokes. By incorporating these advanced examinations into our eye care routine, we prioritise your well-being and aim to detect any warning signs of stroke at an early stage.

What Is the Difference Between Optomap Scans and Traditional Digital Retinal Photography? 

When it comes to retinal examination, we understand the significance of choosing the right technology. In the past, digital retinal photography was the standard method for capturing images of the retina. However, as technology advanced, Optomap has emerged as the gold standard for peripheral retinal examination. While both techniques offer images of the retina, the difference lies in the breadth and detail of the view they provide.

Optomap scans revolutionise retinal examination by offering an ultra-widefield view of your retina. With this cutting-edge technology, we can capture more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic image. This comprehensive view allows us to detect potential issues with greater accuracy and at an earlier stage.

Imagine a panoramic photo of a breathtaking cityscape taken with one of the best cameras in the world. That's what an Optomap scan offers for your retina—a single ultra-high-definition image capturing the entire landscape of your eye health.

On the other hand, traditional digital retinal photography provides a much more limited view of your retina, typically revealing only 10-15% of your eye's landscape at a time. It can be likened to a standard definition, zoomed-in photograph of a specific building within the cityscape—a narrower perspective that may miss important details in other areas of your retina.

What Is the Difference Between Optomap and OCT?

While both Optomap and OCT are valuable imaging technologies, they serve different purposes in eye care. Optomap provides an ultra-widefield view of the retina, aiding in early disease detection, while OCT offers high-resolution cross-sectional images, crucial for assessing specific retinal structures like the macula and managing conditions like glaucoma. Both are vital in accurately diagnosing and detecting any issues. 

Do You Really Need Both an Optomap Scan and An OCT Scan? 

Yes! Combining both an Optomap scan and an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan provides a more comprehensive understanding of the health of the retina.

Optomap scan delivers a wide-angle, high-resolution image of your retina, capturing the entire landscape in a single comprehensive image. This state-of-the-art technology enables our optometrists to detect subtle signs of disease and changes in the retina that may not be apparent with traditional methods. By offering a panoramic view, Optomap scans provide early detection capabilities, empowering us to identify potential issues at an early stage.

On the other hand, the OCT scan offers a cross-sectional view of the retina, providing intricate details about its different layers. This remarkable technology allows us to examine specific areas with exceptional precision. By detecting issues like retinal thinning or fluid build-up, OCT complements the broader view provided by Optomap, ensuring no potential problems are overlooked.

By combining Optomap and OCT scans, we gain a complete picture of your retina's health. The Optomap scan offers a broader overview, and the OCT scan provides detailed information about specific areas. Together, they form a powerful duo that aids in early detection, diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans. Detecting eye issues at their inception allows for timely interventions, leading to improved outcomes and better management of eye conditions.

Who Should Have an Optomap Scan?

• Everyone! An Optomap scan is a great way for people to proactively monitor the health of their eyes and catch any issues early on.

• More specifically, anyone who is concerned about the health of their eyes, or falls into the following groups, would benefit from an Optos California Optomap scan at Eye Academy Windsor.

• Short-sightedness (myopia), including those who have had laser eye surgery- the shorter-sighted you are, the more at risk you are of retinal pathology hence an Optomapscan is a must for all short-sighted individuals. 

• All diabetic patients

• All patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

• New or long-standing floaters 

• New or long-standing flashing lights (photopsia)

• Those with a history of retinal tear of detachments

• Those with a family history of retinal tear of detachments

• Those with a history of retinal freckles/moles, eye tumours or cancer

• Those with a family history of eye cancers

Should My Children Have an Optomap Too?

Absolutely! Your children can greatly benefit from having an Optomap scan as part of their comprehensive eye examination at Niall O'Kane Optometrists. Optomap technology is safe, quick, and painless, making it suitable for patients of all ages, including children. Let's explore the reasons why an Optomap scan is essential for your children's eye health:

1. Early Detection of Potential Issues: Children may not always express when they are experiencing vision problems or eye discomfort. An Optomap scan allows our expert optometrists to gain an ultra-widefield view of your child's retina, enabling us to detect any subtle signs of eye conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Identifying issues at an early stage empowers us to implement timely interventions and ensure your child's vision remains clear and comfortable.

2. Comprehensive and Non-Invasive Examination: Traditional methods of eye examination can be more challenging for young children, especially when it involves dilation or lengthy procedures. Optomap scans, however, are quick, non-invasive, and painless. The process takes less than a minute and does not require any eye drops or uncomfortable procedures, making it an ideal option for children who may have difficulty sitting still for extended periods.

3. Baseline for Future Comparison: Optomap images serve as a baseline for your child's retinal health. These images can be referred to in the future during follow-up examinations to track any changes in their eye health. This comparison allows our optometrists to monitor your child's eyes more effectively and tailor any necessary treatments or interventions accordingly.

4. Peace of Mind for Parents: As a parent, you want the best for your children, and ensuring their eye health is in optimal condition is part of that care. By including an Optomap scan in your child's eye examination, you can have peace of mind knowing that their eyes are thoroughly evaluated using the latest and most advanced imaging technology.

5. Enhancing Academic Performance: Clear and comfortable vision is crucial for your child's learning journey. By detecting and addressing any vision issues early on, you are providing them with the best chance to excel academically and reach their full potential.

What Makes the Optomap California Different?

When it comes to Optomap scans, not all scanners are created equal. At Niall O'Kane Optometrists, we take pride in offering our patients access to one of the best and most advanced Optomap Scanners—the Optos California. Let's explore why our investment in this cutting-edge technology sets us apart and ensures unparalleled image quality and diagnostic capabilities.

Optomap Scans Redefined: Optos California

Capturing a 200-degree, ultrawide, ultra-high-definition image, the Optos California elevates the Optomap scan experience to new heights. The field of view and scan quality provided by this state-of-the-art scanner surpass other standard Optomap images by a significant margin. With the Optos California, our expert optometrists obtain a more comprehensive view of your retina, allowing for early detection and precise analysis of potential issues.

The Power of Optos Advanced Software

One of the key features that sets the Optos California apart is its integration with Optos Advanced software. This advanced software enhances the analysis of the retina, enabling our optometrists to delve deeper into the intricacies of your eye health. By using this technology, we gain invaluable insights that aid in the early diagnosis and monitoring of retina-related conditions.

Other Opticians have Optomap- why is Niall O’Kane Optometrists different?

When it comes to your eye health, quality imaging is undoubtedly important. However, what sets Niall O'Kane Optometrists apart is our team of advanced, specialist optometrists who undergo specific, extensive training. Our commitment to excellence in eye care is reflected in the expertise and experience of our clinicians, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care for your precious vision.

Our specialised clinicians' skill level enables us to offer a clinical service that rivals that of a hospital eye service. We provide expert assessments for various eye conditions, ensuring that you receive the most accurate diagnoses and personalised treatment plans. When it comes to your eye health, you can trust that you are in the hands of true experts, committed to preserving and enhancing your vision.

To complement the expertise of our clinicians, we have invested in the latest diagnostics equipment, including advanced imaging technology like the Optos California Optomap Scanner. This cutting-edge combination of expert clinicians and state-of-the-art equipment allows us to deliver unparalleled eye care, setting us apart as leaders in our field.

How Do I Book an Appointment at Niall O’Kane Optometrists?

You can give us a call on 01634 290178 or request an appointment online here.