Optomap has been shown to enhance pathology detection and disease management.
Optos introduced ultra-widefield (UWF™) retinal imaging to enable Dr. Yepremian to discover, diagnose, document, and treat ocular pathology that may first present in the periphery - pathology which may go undetected using traditional examination techniques and equipment. The UWF, high-resolution retinal imaging devices each image more than 80% or 200˚ of the retina in a single capture.
Optos does not replace dilation, which is the current standard of care for retinal evaluation. It does enhance the dilation exam, where a picture is worth a thousand words. There are some instances where subtle changes are not noted through the dilation alone. The Optos image will allow us to capture the current retinal state and see if subtle changes have occurred over the years. Optos does not replace dilation but provides an alternative method to look inside the eyes. Both options together will give us the best outcome.
What is optomap?
Early detection could help save your vision or your life.
An optomap exam gives us a panoramic image of the surface of your retina.
- Is fast, easy, and comfortable.
- May alleviate the need for dilation.
- Provides a permanent record for annual review.
These images help your doctor assess the health of your eyes and check for conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma,
and retinal detachments. These problems can threaten vision without warning or symptoms.
optomap can also help your doctor detect serious health problems unrelated to the eye such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, some cancers, and auto-immune disorders.
Ask Dr. Yepremian about adding optomap to your comprehensive eye exam, today!
Optomap FAQs
How long has optomap been available?
Optomap was given clearance to market by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999.
How many offices have this technology?
There are over 23,000 installed devices worldwide.
Is optomap as comprehensive as the old way I had my eye examined?
Optomap gives your doctor a comprehensive view that was previously unavailable, and adds to your doctor’s ability to diagnose the health of your eye.
How soon will the doctor see the results?
The doctor can review the results with you today.
What does optomap tell the doctor?
Optomap allows the doctor to assess your ocular and overall systemic health.
Why is it important for the doctor to look at the retina?
The sensitive tissue that makes up the retina is susceptible to a variety of diseases and it is essential to catch any problems early in their progression to avoid vision loss.
Do I need to have an optomap exam?
Your doctor highly recommends that you do.
Is this the best exam?
Your doctor intends to give you the best exam possible. That is why they include optomap as part of your comprehensive exam.
If I don’t have an optomap exam, will I still get a good exam?
Of course your doctor will still give a good exam. However, you should know that you will be depriving your doctor of a tool that has proven to help doctors detect problems earlier and you will not have the opportunity to learn about your own ocular health.
What age groups are candidates?
Optomap is recommended for patients of all ages.
Can my child be tested?
Yes.
Can I wear my contact lenses?
Yes.
Will it tell me if I have cataracts?
No, the optomap is looking at the back of your eye and cataracts are a problem that occur in the front of your eye. optomap can assist your eyecare professional in detecting conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Hypertensive Retinopathy, Retinal Holes, Tears and Detachments, Macular Degeneration, Malignant Melanomas and many other retinal disorders.
How long will an optomap take?
An optomap image can be captured in less than half a second per eye.
I don’t have any complaints; I see well, why should I get this?
Most eye disorders do not cause pain or other symptoms. Also, when detected early enough, many retinal problems can be treated to avoid vision loss. However, once a retinal problem has caused a loss of vision, it is almost never reversible. Early detection is vital to preserving good eye health.
I have a family history of diabetes, should I have this done? Why?
It is particularly important for people who are at risk for diabetes to have an optomap since they are more prone to problems with the retina that could lead to vision loss.
Does this mean I will not be dilated? My doctor has told me I always need to be dilated!
The reason your doctor told you that is because prior to optomap there was no technology available that gave the doctor a comprehensive view of your retina – now that optomap is available, it is possible that dilation may not be required. Dilation is a tool that your doctor may also use to evaluate your retina.
Can I drive afterward?
Generally, yes. optomap will NOT blur your vision or make you sensitive to light. However, if as above, you are dilated in combination with optomap, we recommend that you not drive for 1 – 2 hours.
Does this hurt?
No, the optomap should be very comfortable for you.
Can taking an optomap cause any damage?
No, optomap is a safe procedure.
How often is it recommended to have an optomap done?
Optomap should be part of every comprehensive eye exam, and you should have your eyes completely examined once per year. Note: May vary for diabetic or other patients who have known pathology and are being managed by the doctors.
Is it sanitary?
Yes.
Will this change my prescription? Will I need glasses after this?
Optomap will not change the current prescription, it will help your doctor to better diagnose the health of your retina.
Can I have a copy of my test?
NOTE: depends on practice procedures. – Yes, your eyecare professional can either e-mail you or print a copy of your optomap. They can keep it as part of your permanent medical record.
I am pregnant; can I have the test done?
Yes.
Why do you have to take so many “pictures” of my eyes?
Unless there are any problems found or your eyecare professional needs more information, optomap will be the only picture of your retina taken at this visit.
Is it covered by Insurance? Why do I have to pay extra for this exam? Why isn’t this covered by Insurance?
No, unfortunately, vision coverage plans do not offer coverage for advanced diagnostic screening.
Is my co-pay included in this fee?
No.
Where can I find ICD-10 Codes on my Optos Device or Software?
Optos previously supported the entry of ICD-9 coding within our Vantage software when this functionality was needed because EMR/PM was rarely in general use. This functionality was provided as a surrogate for EMR/PM capture of the code. According to Corcoran Consulting, the official place to enter ICD-10 codes is in an EMR/PM system. Thus, ICD-10 coding is a function best handled by the EMR/PM companies. In the case of an audit to assure the coding selected supports the procedures performed and billed, an auditor will look within the provider’s EMR. Our advice to our customers is to capture ICD-10 data in their EMR/PM/Medical record where it is required to reside. Based on this recommendation, Optos will not be adding ICD-10 to our software platforms.
Dr. Yepremian knows your vision is important to you, which is why she is dedicated to providing you with the best care possible. We hope you agree!
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