Growth is important for any company or business. For Optometrists, this is no different. It's important to reflect on what works, what doesn’t, and why. As optometry and eye care have evolved, the use of new technologies has become integral to optometric care. 

optomap UWF retinal images of 200 degrees or up to 82% of the retina in a single capture, provide that ‘wow’ factor for patients. optomap has helped to streamline examination protocol, as images can be captured during preliminary evaluation and are ready for review during the examination with the doctor. 

In a recent paper, five experts in the field take the time to discuss the most valuable technology investment in their optometry practice, optomap, and the competitive edge it provides. 

Optos is dedicated to enabling eye care professionals to provide quality eye exams and educational tools to build a stronger patient experience. This week, we will be highlighting eye care professionals and their stories where they utilized optomap ultra-widefield (UWF™) retinal imaging to enhance their experience.  

A comprehensive eye exam should include a thorough examination of the retina, including an optomap, which is complementary to a DFE and an excellent tool for screening and for patient education. A optomap helps doctors to discover and document the retina with little or no face-to-face interaction and takes only seconds to get a highly-detailed view of the retina, which is critical for detection and management of both ocular and systemic diseases.

From Saturday 23^rd to Monday 25^th April 2022 at the ExCel in London, optometrists Simon Browning, Ian Jarvis, Paul McDonald and Keval Sejpar will be hosting sessions worth CPD points.

Making routine eye exams a part of a yearly, preventative routine aid in the strides to prevent illness rather than treat it as it appears, but for many it is still not the norm.  Many adults with 20/20 vision and no eye-related symptoms will often forgo an annual eye exam, while many ocular diseases are asymptomatic in early stages.  Early detection of these diseases can have a significant impact on courses of treatment and the probability of positive outcomes.

Eyecare professionals can greatly enhance their comprehensive exams with the use of ultra-widefield (UWF™) optomap technology.  optomap is specifically designed to provide an UWF image of the retina, and it is, by definition, the only UWF technology that captures more than 80% of the retina in a single image and in less than ½ second.  Find an eye care professional who uses optomap, today!

Optos is dedicated to enabling eye care professionals across the globe to provide the quality eye exams necessary for good vision. Optometrists worldwide have utilized optomap technology to improve patient workflow, clinical accuracy, and timely diagnosis and treatment for patients.

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that can lead to blindness, especially if not detected early and treated. In the US, about 3 million people currently have glaucoma. Like many ocular pathologies, the prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, and it is more common in people of African American descent. About 3% of the population over 50 have glaucoma and that increases to 5% for those over the age of 60 and 8% for those over the age of 70. Glaucoma causes loss of vision in the periphery and is usually not noticed by the person experiencing it because their central vision is unaffected and they can still read, write, drive, and watch TV normally, until the end of the disease right before complete blindness. Early detection is very important to stop the progress of the disease. This can only be done through eye examinations which often includes imaging with Optos devices

Depending on the cause of low vision, there may be medications or surgical alternatives that can help slow disease progression in order to assist in providing as much vision, for as long as possible. Those who think they may have a vision impairment that interferes with their ability to perform everyday activities should see an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. If your eyecare professional finds that you have vision loss that cannot be corrected adequately with standard eyewear, medical treatment or surgery, they can assist you with your next steps.

Earlier detection and treatment of AMD can prompt steps to be taken to help reduce vision loss and slow the advance of the disease. Data suggests that the retinal periphery can exhibit some important morphological changes, such as peripheral drusen and reticular pigmentary changes, which are frequently connected with the wet form of AMD. Typically, disease progression has been documented using fundus cameras that image only about 45-50% percent of the retina. By using UWF for AMD evaluation, over 80% of the retina is now analyzed to record peripheral fluorescein angiographic changes in AMD patients. Read additional information here regarding these studies or visit our website to learn more about optomap and how it helps eyecare professionals to manage eye disease.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that progress gradually, stealing sight, without showing symptoms. The word ‘glaucoma’ is actually an umbrella term for a group of eye diseases that damage the delicate fibers that run from your eye to your optic nerve, which is the nerve that carries information about the images your eye sees to your brain. Damage is often the result of high fluid pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can affect people of all ages but is most prevalent in middle-aged adults and the elderly. While there is no cure, surgery or medication can slow its effects and help to prevent further vision loss.