Our Advanced Eye Test with OCT eye scan
Our Advanced Eye Test includes an OCT scan as well as your essential eye test
Helping to spot over 10 health conditions, including diabetes & high blood pressure
What is an OCT eye scan?
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. OCT stands for Optical Coherance Tomography which is an advanced eye scan that gives a more in-depth view of the eye than an essential eye test. It works in the same kind of way to an ultrasound – but uses light waves instead of sound waves.
It only takes a couple of minutes and by looking into the retina's layers an OCT scan can help to 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.
Book an eye test online today and add an OCT scan to your eye test at your appointment in store
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.
Learn more about your OCT Scan
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 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.
