Included in our complete eye exam
OCT Optical Coherence Tomography
A detailed 3D scan that helps us look deeper at the health of your eyes.
At Waipapa Eyecare, our complete eye exam includes Optical Coherence Tomography, commonly called OCT. This advanced scan helps us assess the retina and other important structures at the back of the eye.
OCT is non-invasive, comfortable, and gives us detailed images that can be compared over time.
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What does OCT do?
OCT helps create detailed cross-section and 3D images of the retina. This gives us more information than a standard vision check alone.
Looks below the surface
OCT allows us to see layers of the retina in detail. This helps us assess structures that cannot be judged properly from vision testing alone.
Helps detect change
Your OCT scans can be stored and compared with future visits, helping us monitor changes in your eye health over time.
Comfortable and non-invasive
The scan is quick and comfortable. It does not touch your eye and is simply part of gathering a better picture of your eye health.
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Why the scan is useful
OCT produces detailed images of the retina that can help show changes in eye structure. This can be useful when assessing or monitoring conditions affecting the macula, optic nerve, and retina.
The scan also gives us a useful baseline. Future scans can be compared with earlier scans, helping us look for changes over time.
Where useful, we can show you your scan and explain what we are looking at in plain language.
See how OCT helps us look deeper
This short video helps explain how OCT scanning gives a detailed view of the retina and why it can be useful as part of a thorough eye exam.
OCT can help detect or monitor a range of eye health concerns, sometimes before you notice symptoms or changes in your vision.
Why we include OCT in our complete eye exam
We believe a good eye exam should look at both your vision and your eye health. OCT gives us extra information that helps us make better clinical decisions and explain what we are seeing more clearly.
Eye conditions OCT may help assess or monitor
OCT is not a replacement for a full eye exam, but it is a valuable tool that can support assessment and monitoring of several eye health issues.
Macular changes
OCT can help assess the macula, the central part of the retina used for detailed vision.
Glaucoma monitoring
OCT can assist with monitoring structures affected by glaucoma, alongside other tests and clinical findings.
Diabetic eye changes
OCT can help assess changes at the back of the eye, including changes that may be relevant for people with diabetes.
Will I need eye drops?
Not always. Whether drops are needed depends on your eyes, the reason for the exam, and what the optometrist needs to assess. We will explain this during your appointment if drops are recommended.
Can I see my scan?
Yes. Where useful, we can show you your OCT images and explain what we are looking at in plain language.
Book an eye exam
You can book online, phone us, or call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare.
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.