Why We Image Everyone

Anyone who’s been to our office since January 2012 should know that we have a machine called the Optomap, which allows me to examine my patients’ retinal health through a wide-field digital image, generally without the need for dilating drops.  I am a huge fan of the Optomap and absolutely believe it allows me to give my patients a better exam than I could without this technology.

Because of my personal belief in the Optomap, as well as a desire to streamline patient flow, we typically take Optomap images on every patient.  This gives every patient the opportunity to discuss the pro’s and con’s of the procedure with me before deciding yay or nay, without my having to send patients back and forth between rooms to have images taken (roughly 2/3 of my patients choose the Optomap, so that would be a lot of shuffling!).

Along with the benefits of the Optomap, I also discuss that using the images adds $30 to the cost of the exam, and anyone who prefers to avoid this extra cost may opt out of using the images and have their eyes dilated instead.

Every once in awhile, I encounter a patient who gives me the stink eye after my Optomap explanation.  I can tell what they’re thinking, whether or not they actually express it verbally: “You’re trying to force me into using these pictures you already took just so you can charge me extra!”

My blanket answer to anyone who may feel this way: I’m absolutely not trying to force you. I do believe in the technology and would love for all of my patients to choose it, but I try to make it very obvious that dilation is still an option for anyone who doesn’t want the additional charge of the Optomap.  I do want the opportunity to explain the benefits of the procedure before you reject it off-hand, because I believe it’s in your best interest to use the images.  And again, as stated above, it is more efficient in our office to take images on everyone instead of shuffling patients back and forth between rooms.  If you come into my office knowing that you’re 100% not interested in the Optomap, we will be happy to save you and us the two minutes it takes for imaging.  Just let us know!

Why I love the Optomap (and you should, too!)

I believe I posted on our Facebook page, but perhaps no where else, that we recently brought a new piece of technology to our office – optomap digital retinal imaging.  Here, I just want to briefly discuss why I think this technology is so fantastic, and why I believe you should incorporate it into your next comprehensive eye exam!

Most people don’t realize that with a traditional dilated eye exam, even though your pupils are insanely large, traditional instruments only allow your doctor a limited view into the back of the eye.  This is why we need you as the patient to look left, right, up, down, and every other conceivable direction to piece together the image of the back of your eye.  Even so, we can never see the entire back of the eye as a single picture with a traditional dilated exam.

Healthy Eye Optomap Image

Herein lies what I consider the major advantage of the optomap retinal exam: it DOES give us one wide image of the back of the eye – showing us what we need to see all at once, instead of piecemeal.  We also keep these images on file, allowing us to compare images over time and track any potential deterioration of eye health. 

Of course MY priority as an eye doctor is the health advantage afforded by this technology; however, as a patient, you may have a greater appreciation for the fact that we can generally obtain these digital images without the need for dilating drops, leaving you ready to get on with your day after your eye exam!  Dilation can cause blurred vision, especially up close, as well as significant sensitivity to bright light; and these effects usually last about 3-4 hours after your exam.

Note: it would be incorrect to say that the optomap fully takes the place of a dilated exam.  If a retinal emergency is detected and requires further evaluation, you will need to have your eyes dilated.  However, the optomap retinal exam is a remarkable screening tool that can help us decide if dilation is truly indicated, and most patients are able to avoid dilation with this new technology. 

In my office, which is located inside a Costco, many patients would choose to forego dilation regardless of any new technology – they just want to be able to go shopping afterwards 🙂  Comparing the thoroughness of a non-dilated exam with vs. without optomap, it’s not even close. 

I love this technology because it gives me more information as the doctor, and it makes life easier for my patients.  I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone as part of their annual comprehensive exam.

 

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