Fundus Photography

Andrew Keech
MyEyes Opticians

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	Last updated 10-7-2010

	Fundus Photography - early detection and better referral

	The Topcon NW6S is a new instrument to the practice and one that will revolutionise the sight testing. Sadly it comes at a price, but I think a price that many can afford. Andrew Keech answers the important questions.

	So what’s the price?

	The price is £13.50. Let me explain. Not everyone has to pay this. I believe that our children so get the best level of care available so I am not going to charge children for this examination. The instrument has required us to change our view of many things. I personally have used an instrument like this at a practice specialising in Diabetes care for the past 3 years. It has meant staff training, upgrades to computerisation and excellent industry standard back up facilities that automate the safe storage of images.

	Who owns the images?

	The images remain our copyright, but I promise that if I use one of the images, it will be used anonymously and in an educational function. There will be a further cost for the release of images in any format. It is not recommended to print the images as the 12 megapixel images loose a lot in detail on printing.

	What are the benefits to the patient?

When I look into the eye using one of the older methods, I’m seeing a very small area of the retina. It takes time to see more and standard procedures often miss small features of an eye. I have minimal ways to manipulate what I see. With a fundus camera, I see more, I see it better and I see the everything in one image. not a collection of images. if I am unsure about something I can enhance the image by using various image filters. There are two that stand out. The Red Free - this enhances the blood vessels of the image by creating an image where the red has turned to black. Amazingly useful for Diabetes. The Green Free - which enhances the pigment cells, which can be useful in monitoring a suspicious naevus (the mole of the eye). Do you want better eye care of the vascular system and monitoring of cells that can become cancerous?


	Does it hurt?

Sat at the top of the instrument is a top of the range Nikon Digital SLR camera which like any camera uses a flash. When this procedure is carried out, you look at one of the internal fixation lights. The instrument is focussed and a flash similar to that used in passport photos allows the collection of the image. It does not hurt and takes only a fraction of a second. In most cases a fantastic image can be obtained without the use of eye drops to dilate the pupils.

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