Got checked/Optomap

[Dewey]

I went to get an eye exam today (with my Optometrist) & got Optomap pics. The doctor said my eyes improved slightly (which is pretty cool!), and dropped my prescription just a touch. I was pleased to hear that. :)

The Optomap showed the right eye to be clear, but there was an extremely small spot of blood on the left retina - so small that the doctor could only see it through a physical exam & not with the Optomap pic. Again, good results. He did find 3 choroid nevi on the left retina, which are basically "freckles" on the back of the eye. He looked at the "freckles" in different aspects (i.e. red laser, green laser, etc.), and said that if they showed up with the green laser, he'd be more concerned. Since they did Not, he said we'll keep an eye on things, but said not to be concerned or alarmed, as the "freckles" (nevi) are very likely benign. I really like him & the facility, as they take time with the patients to explain things thoroughly & to show the pictures & explain what's what. :thumbsup:

Overall, I was Very happy with the exam. I've been going to the Optometrists there for some time & will continue to do so for ALL my eye exam needs. Though they're not Ophthalmologists, they have ALL the equipment necessary for good eye health.

I see no need to go to my local Opthalmologist (bad past experience), as he doesn't seem to care about people (just the money) & his facility doesn't even have an Optomap machine! I pay less where I'm going & get wayyyy better care. :)

[BlueSky]

That things are improving and/or stable is good news. And I agree, a competent optometrist will recognise problems as soon as they arise and refer you to an opthalmologist if necessary.

[BrianSCohen]

I have to concur with Bluesky. Although an optometrist can give you a cursory exam to detect major diabetic problems, you won't get the level of attention, competency and diagnostic thoroughness you will get from an opthamologist. Only an opthamologist would be qualified to treat you. I have had the optomap as you have. I have had some anomolous areas in my eyes that were of concern, but with no change over a number of visits, my opthamologist thinks things are fine.

My insurance readily covers regular visits to an opthamologist with just modest copay. It makes sense for me to just go every 6 months to a year as needed. If only I had such good coverage for my dental care, which always seems to be terrible in the US.

[notme]

Great news Dewey. If you ask your doc, he will give you a copy of your eye scan. I got mine and you go to optomap and you download their program and you can keep your "eyes" in your computer!

[Dewey]

I have to concur with Bluesky. Although an optometrist can give you a cursory exam to detect major diabetic problems, you won't get the level of attention, competency and diagnostic thoroughness you will get from an opthamologist. Only an opthamologist would be qualified to treat you. I have had the optomap as you have. I have had some anomolous areas in my eyes that were of concern, but with no change over a number of visits, my opthamologist thinks things are fine.
Actually, BlueSky said:
That things are improving and/or stable is good news. And I agree, a competent optometrist will recognise problems as soon as they arise and refer you to an opthalmologist if necessary.

From the sounds of it, BlueSky was agreeing that there's no need to see the local (money hungry) ophthalmologist if the Optometrist I'm seeing is competent & capable enough to do the job. If an issue arises, the Optometrist said they'd send me where I needed to go immediately.

The point is, I've Never gotten the level of care that one should get (or would hope to get) at the local Ophthalmologist's office. That's why I refuse to go to them unless absolutely necessary.

The level of care with the Optometrists has been stellar. As a matter of fact, the doctor saw possible glaucoma in my husband's eyes when he went for his exam (through physical examination & Optomap pics), so he (the doctor) arranged for hubby to see the Ophtalmologists right away.

I totally agree on the dental thing, though. I've had many a problem with "dental woes" & lack of decent coverage for dental issues.

[BrianSCohen]

Actually, BlueSky said:


From the sounds of it, BlueSky was agreeing that there's no need to see the local (money hungry) ophthalmologist if the Optometrist I'm seeing is competent & capable enough to do the job. If an issue arises, the Optometrist said they'd send me where I needed to go immediately.



Well Dewey, you are exactly correct. I hereby disagree with Bluesky!!!!

I pay a modest copay (the same as an optometrist) to see my opthamologist. I trust him by far more to diagnose and treat any issues with my eyes. He has the equipment to perform a much broader and more specific diagnosis of my eyesight. If my eyes are bleeding, I am sure a competent optometrist would notice this and refer me to an ophthalmologist, but I'd rather be right on top of things.

ps. No offense to Dewey and Bluesky, sometimes, I just read too fast.