THE world of optometry has come a long way since the invention of spectacles in the year 1286.
The concept of annual eye examinations was introduced in 1928 and since then the technology optometrists use to assess the eye has changed dramatically.
At Swan Hill and Kerang Optical, they understand the importance of monitoring vision and eye health, and have invested in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide the best possible care to their patients.
This technology includes a wide field digital camera which captures an image of the retina at the back of your eye.
The retina is an extremely important structure as the part of the eye that senses light and sends images to your brain.
The retina also contains many other important structures such as blood vessels, the optic disc (sending information to the brain) and macular (controlling our central vision and ability to see fine details).
The digital camera takes high resolution images of these structures and allows the optometrists to view the retina in much more detail than they previously could. These images can alert them, and their patients, to early signs of macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and many more eye diseases. When an image is taken, it is saved on the patient’s file and used to make comparisons at future examinations.
Swan Hill and Kerang Optical optometrist Kayla Adams said the retinal camera enabled her to show patients exactly what the back of their eye looked like.
“I love using visual aids to help me explain any abnormalities within the eye, so to be able to show patients exactly what and where the concern is on their own eye is extraordinary,” she said.
“Our camera also has the capability to create a full collage of the retina by taking multiple images and joining them together. This allows us to view the very far edges of the retina. Some patients describe our camera as being like E.T. or Star Wars which adds for a bit of fun.”
Optical coherence tomography, or OCT for short, is another piece of high-tech equipment that Swan Hill and Kerang Optical have invested in.
Rather than just viewing the front layer of the retina, the OCT machine allows 3D viewing and cross-sectional viewing of the retina, which means all 10 layers of the retina can be examined.
Using this cutting-edge technology, eye diseases are more accurately identified and monitored.
This is particularly important for patients who have glaucoma or are glaucoma “suspects” and macula degeneration, as the OCT machine is designed to monitor any change or progression over time.
Ms Adams said access to specialist care could be challenging in rural locations.
“The OCT helps us to minimise the need for some referrals as we can monitor some eye conditions locally,” she said.
“We also work co-manage patients with ophthalmologists in Bendigo and Melbourne, and are able to minimise travel for such patients as we have the technology right here in Swan Hill.
“Our objective as your local eyecare professional is to preserve the long-term health and wellbeing of your eyes. We discuss the benefits of OCT scanning with our patients where we feel it is appropriate, in order to deliver the best care possible.”
To discover more about what eyecare technology Swan Hill and Kerang Optical offer, call one of the clinics to make an eye examination appointment, or book online at www.swanhilloptical.com.au.
