A new machine at the Bandon branch of Specsavers will improve detection for potentially sight-threatening conditions according to optician and director Marie Burke.
Specsavers in Bandon are now offering Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans thanks to a sleek new hospital-standard piece of equipment that's one of the first of its kind in West Cork.
Used in conjunction with a regular eye test, the OCT is similar to an MRI. It allows the optician to detect eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration earlier than traditional methods.
‘We think of it like looking a beautifully iced cake,’ Marie says.
‘From the outside all looks well but then slice through the cake and you might see that perhaps the cream is going off on the bottom layer’.
Painless
The test takes just a few minutes and is painless. The scans are sent through to the optician who then discusses the results with the patient on the same day.
‘An eye test is more than just finding out if you need glasses,’ Marie says.
The OCT scan takes only a few minutes and is painless
‘Some people only have an eye test if they feel their sight is worsening. Ideally, you should have a test every two years. It’s all about eye health and maintaining eye health.
Eye health
‘If you have an OCT scan we can compare that with the next scan in two years’ time and see if there are any changes.’
Marie, who is in the business 20 years, opened up Specsavers in Bandon in 2010 ago and is really thrilled with the addition of the OCT machine and being able to offer this test to the people of West Cork.
‘Now we are able to see these deeper layers at the back of the eye, which we weren't able to previously examine. This allows us to detect common eye diseases much sooner and refer people for treatment if necessary.
Early detection
‘This will hopefully prevent any further progression of the disease and any associated sight loss. It really is a fantastic tool for us and our patients’.
‘As with everything,’ Marie says, ‘earlier detection means earlier treatment and ideally slows the progression of sight loss. In some cases it means the client doesn’t need to attend the eye clinic which has the knock on effect of reducing numbers there’.
The OCT is an enhanced eye test available at an affordable, additional, cost of €25 and Marie is of the belief that every adult should avail of this new scan.
Get in touch with Specsavers Bandon on 023 8820382 for more information or to book an eye test.
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