Changes to our retinas (an area at the back of the eye) can be a symptom of a range of eye conditions, so it’s very important to capture images of this area and compare those images over time, to detect any changes.
With your support, we funded an Optos Camera for the NNUH Eye Clinic, worth £90,000.
The camera is a laser-based imaging device for viewing the retina. The Optos is special because it can show a much wider area than conventional cameras. It’s used to monitor lesions in the eye that could be a sign of cancer, and to check for abnormalities that could be a sign of a detached retina.
This widefield imaging is essential for a modern eye unit, saving the team having to reproduce images by hand:
Before widefield imaging we had to rely on hand-drawn illustrations of the back of the eye. When I was training, I would have to get a readymade A5 page of paper and then turn it upside down, so it matched the way our lenses view the back of the eye. I would then carefully sketch what I could see using a variety of coloured pencils to represent different parts of the eye. This was only 3-4 years ago. Of course, retinal cameras existed then but they captured a much smaller area of the eye, and several shots would have to be taken and then stuck together to create a composite image. Thankfully, this can all be replaced with the widefield imaging that was purchased using the charitable funds
Matt Schneiders, Ophthalmology Consultant
The camera is also helping to reduce the time people have to spend in the Eye Clinic. Before, specialists would want to see patients face-to-face more often because their cameras only gave a limited view of the peripheral retina. Now, the Optos gives a much better view, so patients can follow up with phone consultations in between their imaging appointments instead.
The camera has even helped a family with a diagnosis for their child. Matt explains:
There is no alternative to having the Optos when performing widefield fluorescein angiography. This is a technique where a dye is injected into a person's veins and then images are captured as the dye passes through the blood vessels within a patient's eye. It is vital for detecting disease that cannot otherwise be seen by just examining the eye. Just last week I arranged this test for a young patient and their parents, and we discovered a genetic disease which was unknown in his family.
Matt Schneiders, Ophthalmology Consultant
By purchasing cutting-edge technology like this camera – beyond what the NHS could provide – we are making a real difference to patients and staff throughout the hospital. With your help, we can do even more. To make a one-off donation or set up a regular gift, please visit our donation page. Thank you.