OCT advanced eye scan
Let’s add a whole new dimension to your eye test
We want to make sure you enjoy happy, healthy eyes for as long as possible. That’s why many of our Boots Opticians stores are now offering OCT eye scans. But what is OCT? What are the benefits? And what does it involve? We reveal all!
What is OCT?
Ready to get technical? OCT (that stands for optical coherence tomography, by the way) is an advanced eye scan that allows your optician to see what’s going on under the surface of your eye.
Working in the same kind of way to an ultrasound – but using light waves instead of sound waves – an OCT scan shows the different layers of your retina (AKA the layer of nerve fibres at the back of your eye).
What are the benefits of OCT?
Unless your vision has changed, chances are you don’t give your eye health much thought. But your eyes can actually reveal a lot about your overall health. By looking closely at the retina’s layers, an OCT scan can help detect underlying conditions, including:
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Vitreous detachments
• Macular holes
Lots of eye health problems don’t have visible symptoms until they’re quite advanced, which means that something could be going on behind the scenes without you knowing. By detecting underlying conditions in their early stages, your optometrist can help to manage problems before they get worse.
What happens at an OCT scan?
Short for time? Don’t worry. An OCT scan will be over in a couple of minutes, so there’s no need to put aside any extra time.
Here’s what to expect at your OCT scan:
1. First up, a colleague will scan your eyes with the high-tech 3D OCT camera.
2. After that, the optometrist will examine the high-resolution 3D images using specialist built-in analysis tools. Once they’re done, they’ll discuss the results with you.
3. Next time you come in for an eye test, your optometrist can compare new scan results with old ones. This can help with early diagnosis by detecting the smallest changes to the retina.
Impressive, right?
Although the scan is totally painless, you may feel slightly dazzled for a few seconds. Don’t worry, this is totally normal and should pass quickly. It’s a similar feeling to having your photo taken with a bright flash.
Book an eye test
Want to take a closer look at your eye health?
Book your eye test online today or by calling 0345 125 3752.* Once you arrive at your appointment, you can ask to have the OCT scan on the day.**
Find your local OCT Opticians
Our OCT advanced eye scan is available in selected Boots Opticians stores - visit our store locator and check the store services for OCT to find your nearest store.
After your test
If you need a new set of glasses after the test, our in store colleage will be on hand to help, and give you advice on the frames to suite your lifestyle. You can check our all our available prescription glasses here.
Contact lenses more your thing? You can explore the range here.
*Local call rates apply. Mobile charges may vary. here.
**An OCT examination must be conducted in conjunction with an eye examination and cannot be offered separately. This is because the health information the OCT provides needs to be analysed alongside the information and results from the accompanying eye examination. Separate eye examinations charges may apply.
