OCT Eye Test at Leightons
With certain eye conditions, the faster you act, the more you protect.
That’s why we recommend an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan as part of your regular eye examination. It can help us detect some sight-threatening issues up to five years before traditional testing methods, and often many years before you notice any change in your vision yourself.
What is an OCT scan?
OCT works a little like ultrasound for the eye. It shows us beyond the retinal surface and gives a cross-section view of the layers of tissue behind, helping us to spot abnormalities that may not be seen on traditional testing.
It can spot early signs of:
- Macula conditions including Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes - by detecting Diabetic Retinopathy
The sooner we detect them, the sooner we can help you treat them.
The images generated by the OCT are stored on your file so when you see us again for your next appointment, the images from the latest screening can be compared with the images generated in the past to see if anything has changed or deteriorated.
Who needs an OCT scan?
OCT scans are particularly important for individuals with cataracts, diabetes, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or family history. However, they are recommended for all adults, not just those with vision changes or eye conditions.
They are valuable for monitoring existing eye conditions and assessing overall eye health, making them an essential part of comprehensive eye care. To enhance your eye health assessment, consider our Ultimate Eye Examination which includes an OCT scan as part of the eye test and Optomap technology to provide unrivalled insight.
Why have an OCT scan?
- Spot issues sooner – an OCT scan enables us to detect and monitor any changes to your eye health sooner than other methods of eye screening.
- See more – we can instantly show you the 3D images of the layers of your retina.
- Ongoing care – all your scans are stored on your records, so from test to test we can compare your OCT images and quickly pinpoint any changes in your eye health.
The OCT Eye Test is completely non-invasive and painless, nothing touches your eye at all. It only takes a few minutes, and afterwards the images generated are examined by your Leightons optometrist and discussed with you.
How does an OCT scan work?
In a matter of seconds, our OCT uses light to take over 1,000 images of the back of your eye as well as what’s underneath it.
We’ll then have a layered scan of your eye so we’ll be able to see exactly what’s going on underneath the surface. It is really useful for us to have a baseline image on file so we can monitor any changes over time and we’ll keep a copy every time you visit us for an appointment. You’ll be the first to know about any changes to your eye health, even years in advance.
Book an OCT scan today
Book online
OCT scan is available within our Leightons Ultimate Eye Examination, Enhanced Eye Test, and NHS sight test.
You can book your eye test online at any time through our secure, easy-to-use online booking system.
Book by Phone
Call us on 0800 40 20 20. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Our team is available for appointment bookings as well as to answer to any queries you may have.
FAQs
OCT scans can be provided as an additional element of your regular eye test. In a normal eye test, your optometrist will examine the surface of your retina (the back of the eye) by looking through your pupil. However, an OCT scan shows the layers beneath the surface, providing a detailed cross-section that can help the optometrist identify sight-threatening conditions as early as possible.
We will keep your records on file to identify any long term changes to your eye health. We recommend you have an OCT as part of your regular eye examination for complete peace of mind.
All members of MyLeightons Care Plans can enjoy a Leightons Ultimate Eye Examination with OCT and Optomap as part of their care plan, alongside other benefits.
Alternatively, investing in your eye health with an OCT scan costs £69 for private patients with the Enhanced Eye Test, or £39 to those eligible for NHS sight tests.
There are no known side effects or risks associated with an OCT scan.
An OCT scan can help detect early signs of:
- Macula conditions including Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes - by detecting Diabetic Retinopathy
- Other retinal conditions
The images are stored securely so at your next appointment, the images from your previous scan can be compared to see if anything has changed.
An OCT scan does not hurt - it is pain-free and nothing touches your eye. All you need to do is look into the scanner.