OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY
An Optical Coherence Tomographer is a machine with cutting edge technology which scans the back of your eyes to produce an image of the individual layers, giving the optometrist information that can not normally be viewed. This means that an OCT scan can pick up signs of eye disease before they would otherwise be seen, giving a more detailed record of the health of your eyes and helping to contribute to a more accurate diagnosis.
An OCT scan is particularly helpful in detecting and monitoring conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, but it is also useful to have baseline measurements even when your eyes are healthy so that any changes can be seen in the future.
We are equipped with an OCT scanner at our Llanishen practice, and you can book an OCT scan alongside an eye examination for an additional charge.
ACUTE / EMERGENCY EYE CARE
Clare is accredited under the Wales Eye Care / Eye Health Examination Wales Scheme to carry out more specialised eye health examinations where required.
If you live in Wales and have a problem with your eyes or your vision which occurred suddenly or if you have been advised to have an eye examination by another health professional you may be entitled to a fully funded eye health examination under the scheme.
If you are experiencing any type of eye or vision problem, it’s best not to delay in seeking advice. Contact us, we will advise if you need to come in for an eye examination, and whether you should come in urgently or on a routine basis.
If you have an urgent concern with your eyes or your vision whilst our practice is closed, please contact an alternative optometrist in your area. You can search for services in your area here.
LOW VISION ASSESSMENTS
As an accredited Low Vision practitioner, Clare is also able to offer Low Vision Assessments as part of the Wales Low Vision Service. So if you already have low vision, a vision impairment or are registered as either sight impaired or severely sight impaired, Clare can help you make the best use of the sight you have.
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The assessment is designed for you to discuss your eyesight condition and the difficulties this may present in your day to day life.
Clare can then help you to try out a number of different low vision aids specific to your requirements such as handheld or stand magnifiers, typoscopes, task lights, electronic magnifiers, shields and/or reading stands etc. You can then decide if any of them may help you and Clare can show you how to use them to best effect.
These will then be ordered free of charge for you to take home on loan for as long as you may need them.
MYOPIA MANAGEMENT
Myopia (also known as short sightedness) is when you can see thing close up but struggle to see clearly at a distance. Myopia currently affects 1 in 3 people and it is becoming more prevalent. It is predicted that by 2050, half of all people will be myopic.
Whilst babies and adults can become myopic, it usually starts at primary school age and it tends to get progressively worse until the eyes have stopped growing. This means that children who become myopic usually become more myopic over time. Usually, the earlier someone becomes myopic, the more myopic they end up being in adulthood.
As myopia increases, coping without spectacles becomes more difficult, the spectacle lenses required to correct the blurry vision become heavier / thicker and the risk of sight loss due to conditions such as retinal detachments, glaucoma and macular degeneration increases.
Recent research shows that the progression of myopia can be slowed with special spectacle lenses known as MiYOSMART and Clare and Francesca have both successfully completed the accreditation process to be able to supply MiYOSMART lenses.
Please click here for more information on Myopia Management at Pearce & Blackmore Opticians.
