The primary component of an examination is to ensure that the spectacle prescription meets the individual requirement of everyday life. This consists of checks for distance, near and binocular vision.
As people live longer in the new century, they are frequently outliving the functional life of their eyes. We are particularly concerned with ageing changes, especially cataracts, glaucoma and macula degeneration. The examination includes a microscope assessment of the front and a stereoscopic investigation of the inside of the eye, followed by measurement of the intra-ocular pressure and visual fields for glaucoma.
A new addition to our equipment arsenal is the Zeiss GDX.A new test has been developed that can pick up nerve fibre layer loss before any loss of vision has occurred. The GDx VCC can detect changes up to six years before visual field losses are apparent.
Quick and easy, using an invisible, safe, low powered laser the GDx VCC scans the nerve fibre layer and compares the thickness of this layer to a database of normal patients. The complete test takes about 5 minutes with the scan itself taking less than a second.
The GDx is a very sophisticated instrument that takes these measurements painlessly with no strain on you as a patient, and no need for drops to dilate your pupils. All you have to do is look into the instrument and keep still for one second while you are scanned.
The GDx VCC test provides an easy to interpret colour map of your retinal nerve fibre layer making positive early diagnosis routine.
Glaucoma is a disease that affects up to 3% of the population in the Western World.
It is known as "the thief of sight" as up to 50% of those with the disease do not know they have it. The disease causes thinning of the nerve fibre layer in the retina and over time results in a characteristic gradual loss of field of vision with untreated glaucoma leading to tunnel vision and then blindness.
Our recent acquisition of the fundus camera allows us to take photographs of the inside of the eye, which can be used to monitor changes.
Should any abnormality be detected or concern raised, we are in touch with local specialists in all fields for further investigation.
Below are the clinic times and optometrists details for the New Cavendish Street practice:
. Mon: Peter Richardson 9.15am-5.00pm
. Tue: Elizabeth "Liz" Danielewicz 1.15pm-5.00 pm
· Weds: Peter Richardson 9.15am-5.00 pm
· Fri: Peter Richardson 9.15am-5.00 pm
