Ophthalmic Imaging

Ophthalmic imaging is a highly specialised field of ophthalmology which helps doctors and clinicians to diagnose and manage a wide variety of eye conditions.

This is undertaken by ophthalmic photographers and ophthalmic imaging technicians.

Ophthalmology is a busy and constantly growing department and with its new instruments and techniques always improving, this allows us to better understand eye diseases and their treatments.

This also means we can offer the best possible patient experience and provide high quality imaging and allows us to minimise the time patients spend in the department.

These tests are all performed as outpatient appointments, and we offer our patients the very best and latest technologies in ophthalmic imaging which include:

Colour fundus imaging

Used to capture highly quality and detailed colour images of the retina.

The cameras we use allow us to perform a wide range of specialised images including 3D imaging, ultra-wide field fundus photography and fundus auto fluorescence, a technique using various differing wavelengths of light.  This is a great way of monitoring changes to the retina and conditions such as Diabetes.

Angiography

This is used to show the blood circulation within the eye and allows the doctors to better diagnose and treat conditions that affect the back or front of the eye.

To allow more detailed imaging of the retina and the choroid, Patients are injected in the arm with one or two dyes. As this dye passes through the blood vessels it then reaches the eye within about 15 seconds. Very detailed photographs are then taken of the eye for around ten minutes at various intervals.

Optical Coherence Tomography (O.C.T.)

This is where hundreds of detailed scans are captured showing the very fine layers that make up the retina (at the back of the eye) and choroid to help clinicians diagnose, monitor and plan treatments for various eye diseases and conditions.

OCT is a cross sectional and 3D imaging technique using the latest technology which lasts a few minutes and can also be used for the front of the eye, which is useful for imaging a damaged cornea, measuring the Angles of the eye and can also be used to Image freckles on the Iris.

Anterior segment photography

To look at the structures making up the front of the eye and any conditions which may affect them.

Highly magnified images can be taken, giving our clinicians a very detailed view of the cornea, iris and sclera (the white area of the eyeball).

Photography

The team of photographers also offer a wide range of photography to the department. Used to document anterior changes to the eyes, lids or face. This is most commonly used for the ocular plastics team and is a great way to document any conditions, or pre and post op surgical procedures on the eye and the surrounding structures, including the eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts, and parts of the face.

The department also includes a specialised Glaucoma Unit. This provides the best diagnostics in a one stop service that allows them to best monitor the condition. Performed by Ophthalmic Imaging Technicians within the department, they provide imaging for the Glaucoma consultants and specialists within this area.

Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It is usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye.