What Is the Optos Scan and How Can It Help Protect Your Vision?
When it comes to caring for your eyes, technology makes a big difference. One of the most advanced tools we use at Fitzpatrick Family Optometrists Maroochydore is the Optos ultra-widefield retinal scan. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to capture a highly detailed image of the inside of your eye in seconds — giving us a clearer picture of your eye health than ever before.
What Is the Optos?
The Optos is a non-invasive imaging device that takes an ultra-widefield image of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Unlike traditional retinal cameras that capture only a small portion of the retina, the Optos can image up to 200° in a single scan — covering more than 80% of the retina.
This wide view means we can detect problems in areas of the retina that would otherwise be difficult to see.
Why Is It Important?
Your retina provides crucial clues about your overall eye health and even your general health. By having a regular Optos scan, your optometrist can detect:
Early signs of eye disease such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy
Damage to blood vessels linked with conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Retinal tears or detachments that could threaten your sight if not treated quickly
Many of these conditions don’t cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making regular scans essential for early detection and treatment.
Benefits of an Optos Scan
Quick and comfortable – the scan takes only seconds and doesn’t require eye drops in most cases
Comprehensive – gives a much wider view of the retina than standard imaging
Early detection – helps identify issues before they affect your vision
Ongoing monitoring – allows us to track changes in your eye health over time
How Fitzpatrick Family Optometrists Can Help
At our Maroochydore practice, we recommend incorporating regular Optos scans into your routine eye examinations. This helps us build a detailed record of your eye health and ensures we can act quickly if changes occur.
The Optos scan is a simple but powerful way to protect your eyesight for the future. Book your next comprehensive eye test at Fitzpatrick Family Optometrists Maroochydore and ask about including an Optos scan as part of your eye care.
