OCT Scan for eyes

[jacdo]

I have been offered an OCT scan at my routine eye test this morning. I have declined as I believe any abnormalities would be picked up by the usual tests. Has anyone else had this scan and would you reccomend?

Thanks

[Koalajane]

Yes I have had this scan. It is very quick and sees the back of the eyes, the retina, macular etc. It is not a problem to have it and completely pain free but very useful

[MrsNails]

Did you have a particular reason for declining the scan? But any tests for your eyes are vitally important especially as we are on Steroids.

PS I’ve had an OCT Scan

[jacdo in reply to MrsNails]

I think it was the way she was trying to sell it to me over the phone. I’ve never paid for an eye test before as my employer used to pay so it seemed unnecessary extra expense 😂 as I always thought any routine eye test would pick up any problems. Now I have looked into it, it makes more sense. I’ll have a word with them when I get there. Thanks.

[MrsNails in reply to jacdo]

You can always have a word with the Ophthalmic Optician when he’s testing your eyes to see what he/she thinks.

I understand what you mean, it feels like someone is always trying to sell you something extra!

It’s usually done separately anyway. I had my first one for Free as they were testing it out and my second one was when l had my MECS EyeTest as l had Black Floaters.

I must arrange an eye test to be honest after Lockdown.

Let us know how you get on.

MrsN

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Why would you refuse?

[Rose54]

Hi

First one I had done was free as thay wanted to test machine as just been installed

Second one I paid for

3rd one 4 weeks ago is now part of a routine appointment I never paid as over 65

I go every year due to being on Steroids

[SheffieldJane]

I think we have become quite spoiled in the U.K. I remember feeling a bit affronted when I was first charged for “ extras” in my state of the art Optician. However, since my eyes have been under multiple threat due to GCA, steroid induced diabetes, cataracts , retinopathy, vitreous detatchment etc. I have seen it as an investment in my precious eyesight. A couple of the tests including the back of the eye scan have resulted in Opthalmologist referrals. I was struck by the inferior quality of the hospital equipment when having a test for Glaucoma. It is a sad but true state of affairs. I had two grandmothers on both sides of the family who lost their sight. I am doing all I can afford to safeguard mine.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Given the theory behind it - I would have accepted since it picks things up much sooner than the ordinary tests. It's a bit like having a mammogram checking for BC rather than just relying on a manual exam.

specsavers.co.uk/eye-health...

Let's face it - if you go out for an evening you don't complain about paying that for a cocktail do you?

[Rache]

I always opt to have it and glad it’s available. It’s worth the £10 I think, especially when most of us here may be at an increased risk of eye problems.

[jacdo]

Thanks everyone for all your replies. I decided to opt in, because you're right, our eyesight is worth it and I do like the security of knowing everything is ok. And it was good news, everything looks healthy and no problems. No signs of cataracts either, just a new prescription for reading glasses.

Thanks for the help in making my mind up.

[Thelmarina]

I found it fascinating to see what was going on. I had vitreous detachment which sorted itself out thank goodness. Lovely yo see the before and after! 😀

[herdysheep]

I always have it. The amount of extra information it can pick up is invaluable. The newer versions can overlay the scans to track changes. Had mine yesterday. Would never refuse it even if struggling to meet cost.