OCT advanced eye test
Helping to spot over 10 health conditions, including diabetes & high blood pressure
Using our specialist eye scanning technology, we can help you see what's possible when you explore your eye health more deeply.
Unless your vision has changed, it’s likely that you haven’t given your eye health much thought. But your eyes can actually reveal a lot about your overall health. By looking closely at the retina’s layers, an OCT scan can help detect underlying conditions, including:
Multiple sclerosis
Medication toxicities
Retinal detachment
Hereditary ocular disease i.e. Retinitis Pigmentosa
Age related macular diseases i.e. Cystoid macular edema post cataract surgery
Lots of eye health problems don’t have visible symptoms until they’re quite advanced, which means that something could be going on behind the scenes without you knowing. By detecting underlying conditions in their early stages, your optometrist can help to manage problems before they get worse.
You don’t have to book for an OCT scan in advance, just ask on the day of your appointment
Lucy highlights the importance of regular eye tests and OCT scans
During an OCT scan & eye test, it was identified that the optic nerve head had changed in appearance compared to previous images taken in 2020. Lucy was urgently referred to the hospital & was diagnosed with intracranial hypertension (rise in pressure in skull). This visit potentially saved Lucy’s life, as prompt diagnosis & treatment is critical for relieving pressure & preventing future brain injury.
What is OCT?
OCT stands for optical coherence tomography, which is an advanced eye scan that allows your optician to see what’s going on under the surface of your eye. It works in the same kind of way to an ultrasound – but uses light waves instead of sound waves. An OCT scan shows the different layers of the retina at the back of your eye
What happens at an OCT scan?
Short for time? Don’t worry. An OCT scan will be over in a couple of minutes, so there’s no need to put aside any extra time.
Here’s what to expect at your OCT scan:
1. A colleague will scan your eyes with the high-tech 3D OCT camera.
2. The optometrist will examine the high-resolution 3D images using specialist built-in analysis tools. Once they’re done, they’ll discuss the results with you.
3. Next time you come in for an eye test, your optometrist can compare new scan results with old ones. This can help with early diagnosis by detecting the smallest changes to the retina.
Although the scan is totally painless, you may feel slightly dazzled for a few seconds. Don’t worry, this is totally normal & should pass quickly. It’s a similar feeling to having your photo taken with a bright flash.
Next steps
- Book an eye test online or by calling 0345 125 3752.* Once you arrive at your appointment, you can ask to have the OCT scan on the day.**
- Our OCT advanced eye scan is available at the majority of Boots Opticians stores. Use our store locator & check the store services for OCT to find your nearest store.
- If you need a new set of glasses after the test, our in-store colleague will be on hand to help & give you advice on the frames to suite your lifestyle. You can check out our wide range of prescription glasses before your appointment here. Please note store availability may vary.
*Local call rates apply. Mobile charges may vary. here.
**An OCT examination must be conducted in conjunction with an eye examination and cannot be offered separately. This is because the health information the OCT provides needs to be analysed alongside the information and results from the accompanying eye examination. Separate eye examinations charges may apply.
