Optomap Imaging Experience vs Dilation

We have several patients who have had the Optomap Imaging experience in our office. For those of you who are coming in for a new eye health exam and are unfamiliar with what the Optomap Imaging experience is, let us tell you about it.

First a little history behind how the Optomap came about. In 1990, 5 year old Leif Anderson went blind in one eye due to an undiagnosed retinal detachment. He was getting regular eye exams, but conventional tests available at the time made a thorough examination difficult. Distressed by the diagnostic methods available, Leif’s father, Douglas, designed the optomap retinal exam.


The Optomap Retinal Exam/Imaging experience is recommended by Dr. White to get an ultra-widefield view of the retina (the back of the eye). While eye exams generally include a look at the front of the eye to evaluate health and prescription changes, a thorough screening of the retina is critical to verify that your eye is healthy. This can lead to early detection of common diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, and even cancer. The imaging is quick (about 3 minutes on average), and painless(no eye drops are involved).

Here are a few stories that demonstrate the value of the Optomap Imaging experience:
These and other stories can be found at Optos.com

Tori's story

At the age of 8, Tori and her mom visited Dr. Scott Thiele, Jacksonville, FL, for her first eye exam which included an optomap Retinal Exam. She had a slight blur in vision, but no other symptoms. The optomap Retinal Exam revealed a large retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina lifts or detaches from its normal position. Based on the size of the detachment, Dr. Thiele suspected cancer, and immediately referred her to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a rare, large choroidal melanoma and unfortunately her eye had to be removed. Tori’s mother credits the optomap Retinal Exam for discovering the tumor that could have been fatal if left undetected.


Michael's story

Prior to a visit to Dr. Daryl Sorah, Winder, GA, Michael – 62-years-old – was not aware of any serious health conditions. Dr. Sorah performed an Optomap Retinal Exam as a part of his annual eye exam. After reviewing his Optomap images Dr. Sorah recommended he visit his general practitioner as the results suggested that Michael was at risk for a stroke or transient ischemic attack, or mini-stroke. Michael went to his general practitioner who performed a full “work up” of various tests and the doctor indicated he was fine except for a slight raise in his cholesterol level. Three months later, Michael had a stroke. He has since recovered and is in good health. Michael credits his life to Dr. Sorah and the Optomap Retinal Exam as the warning provided by Dr. Sorah prepared him for what to do in order to respond effectively after having a stroke.

The Optomap is technology that provides an ultra-widefield view of the retina (approximately 200 degrees). By combining Dr. Whites expertise and the Optomap wide-view images, you and Dr. White can make informed decisions about your eye health and overall wellness.
After reviewing your images the Optomap Images are archived and used to monitor your eye health and overall wellness from year to year.

So in review; the Optomap Imaging experience is a crucial part of our eye exams at Invision Eye Health. This piece of technology and the experience is very rare to find around the state. There are not that many offices that have the Optomap Imaging system, which means that we are truly looking out for your eye health and vision. We value your eye health and eyesight that much. Of course dilation (the drops that normally last 4-6 hrs with light sensitivity and near vision blurriness) has its place, and is still be used to perform a very good comprehensive eye exam. The Optomap provides much more interaction between you the patient and Dr. White, besides the fact that the images are saved, and can be reviewed as many times during the year as needed if or when questions arise.

We love having the ability to share in the Optomap experience with both our existing patients, and all new patients that come for their first comprehensive eye exam. Existing patients love the idea of not having to have their eyes dilated for 4-6 hrs, and seeing the changes from year to year with the Optomap. New patients can enjoy their first experience with the Optomap as part of their eye health exam, and the knowledge that their eye health and eyesight is being monitored with the latest and greatest technology. This accompanied with the knowledge and expertise of Dr. White, will leave each patient with the understanding that their eye health and eye sight will be taken care of to the best of our ability.