Most people get their eyes checked every few years to make sure they’re wearing the correct prescription.
But a new eye test being launched on the high street can detect 12 different health conditions – including high blood pressure, diabetes and potentially deadly tumours.
The scan, called an optomap, is being rolled out across more than 120 Boots stores, marking the first time this type of technology is widely available to the public.
For just £50 the optomap – along with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, which detects common eye diseases – can be added on to any standard eye test.
While traditional scans capture around 15 per cent of the retina, the new technology allows experts to see 82 per cent of the back of the eye in a single image.
The sensitive tissue that makes up the retina is susceptible to a variety of diseases and this increased image size can help optometrists to detect signs of undiagnosed health conditions.
Estimates suggest there are more than 1.2 million people in the UK living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, while a further 5 million have undiagnosed high blood pressure.
These conditions can be serious if not treated and even lead to a heart attack or stroke.
A new eye test being launched on the high street can detect 12 different health conditions – including high blood pressure, diabetes and potentially deadly tumours.
The scan, called an optomap, is being rolled out across more than 120 Boots stores, marking the first time this type of technology is widely available to the public
Dr. Philippa Kaye, GP and author who is working in partnership with Boots, said: ‘Regular eye tests are an important way to keep track of your well-being and stay on top of your health’
The optomap scan is quick and painless – similar to having a photograph taken – and an expert will examine the image before discussing the results with patients.
Dr. Philippa Kaye, GP and author who is working in partnership with Boots, said: ‘Regular eye tests are an important way to keep track of your well-being and stay on top of your health.
‘Think of your eye test as part of an overall check-up as some sight-threatening and serious health conditions often have no symptoms, so a simple eye test can be one of the best ways to spot them before it’s too late.
‘Optomap is a game-changing eye scan that can support opticians to detect signs of underlying conditions allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment, keeping you healthier overall.’
Kyle Rowe, Managing Director at Boots Opticians said: ‘This innovative technology not only gives patients a more detailed eye exam compared to traditional eye tests, but it can give a more accurate picture of their health, detecting early signs of many serious health conditions.
‘This is transformative in terms of empowering patients to be able to make more informed decisions about their overall health.’
Overall, the ‘Ultimate Eye Test’ can pick up high blood pressure, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, tumours, macular hole, multiple sclerosis, medication toxicities, retinal detachment, hereditary ocular disease and autoimmune disease.
Robert Rapier, a patient who was diagnosed with a large melanoma by an optomap scan said: ‘I didn’t have any visible symptoms, but the scan revealed a freckle which was in fact a hidden melanoma in my eye.
‘I was worried, but thanks to the early detection I was able to receive prompt treatment from an ophthalmologist.
‘The optomap scan quite simply saved my life – this cutting-edge scan is a game-changer for eye health, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of it.’
