Two rural Australian optometrists say investing in an Optos ultra-widefield imaging device was one of the easiest and more successful decisions they’ve made, with only one regret: they should’ve bought it sooner.
Queensland independent optometrist Mr Peter Choc from Gladstone Vision has spent most of his 43-year career practising in regions with often limited access to local ophthalmology services.
So, to look after his patients, he feels an added responsibility. Equipped with sound observation skills, and the ability to refer to the right ophthalmologist, when necessary, he has carved out a niche focusing on exceptional patient care.
Beyond a slit lamp and OCT, he believed he didn’t need much more. Ultra-widefield retinal imaging capabilities was far down on his device wish list. However, in 2022, he could no longer resist and eventually invested in an Optos Daytona.
Now, with the device embedded in his practice, Choc’s only disappointment was not investing earlier. He now considers an optomap scan, captured on Optos equipment, as the standard of care, and a routine part in patient consultations.
“The fact the optomap could take a single wide angle shot in one hit as well as its established and proven track record made the decision easy,” he says.
For Choc, the device was the missing link in his practice, as it bridged the gap between optometrist and ophthalmologist and expanded his pathology scope. And, as a high-volume practice, the optomap has relieved some of this workload.
“The optomap has created a more stress-free triage of emergency appointments. Being a busy long term independent practice, and with no full-time ophthalmologist in Gladstone, we are inundated with the medical side within our profession,” he says.
“They’re not always our own patients but we endeavour to see these patients. The obvious benefit of optomap has been in capturing images that can be emailed direct to an ophthalmologist for referral or an opinion.
“Additionally, I had two optometry assistants who had worked with ophthalmologists and were familiar with the instrument.”
Beyond this, Choc says it is an asset to his demographic and the unique pathologies of the region.
“Queensland has a high rate of melanoma and people are genuinely surprised when it can be in the back of an eye. Being so close to the brain it needs prompt attention,” he says.
“All new patients are required to have an optomap. It is our focus to have all patients obtain a baseline ultra widefield scan, and with the inclusion of an OCT.”
Choc quips that his most complex cases often appear in his practice on a Friday afternoon – after the eye doctors have finished work for the week.
“Although our books might be full, all we have to do is obtain an optomap of the patient – which is quick because you don’t have to spend any time dilating them – and then email the image to the retinal specialist for triaging,” he says.
“Something that normally would have taken an hour or so or more, can now be squeezed between patients with an optomap scan.”
And because of this, Choc says the device pays for itself.
He advises all his colleagues to consider an ultra widefield device in their workflow as both patients and practitioners alike are impressed.
He says although some optometrists may be on the fence about taking the leap, his only regret was not investing sooner.
Meanwhile, Choc’s patients welcome optomap scans as standard care. He says they understand its value, and they don’t bat an eye about the additional fee.
“The benefit too is that once patients have had an optomap and they’ve seen it – especially diabetic patients – they anticipate that that’s just part of their normal visit or consultation,” he says.
Anatomical complexities
Mr Ross Cooper from Cooper Smith Optometrists in Goondiwindi, Queensland, has enjoyed a career spanning decades. Having worked closely with ophthalmologists – particularly retinal specialists – he has been trained extensively in retinal pathology.
However, even with his expertise, the limitations of traditional ophthalmoscopy techniques have always been a challenge.
That’s where the Optos Daytona comes in. Cooper says for him the device offers an ultra-widefield view of the retina, providing a comprehensive image that traditional methods simply can’t match.
Unaware of the extent of the intricacies of the structures in the back of the eye, Cooper says his first use of the Daytona opened a whole new anatomical world.
“We had a patient with lattice degeneration and I knew there were a few pieces of lattice there. There were no holes, and I had no concerns, but to just get a lovely optomap and to appreciate the extent of the lattice was incredible,” Cooper says.
The ability to see the full extent of retinal pathology is not just a technical marvel; it’s a significant leap in patient care. Cooper explains that the device’s benefits extend beyond what he could have achieved with traditional tools.
“When you’re looking with a 90-diopter lens, you’re looking at these small sections, trying to piece them together – but you’re missing bits anyway. With the ultra-widefield image, you see the whole picture.”
Patients have been equally as impressed and, like Choc’s practice seven hours away in Gladstone, have had no objection paying extra for the optomap. In fact, word of mouth in the close-knit community has seen demand soar for an optomap since Cooper had the Daytona installed.
“Word goes around; we’re getting patients phoning up and asking to have an optomap when they book their appointment. This shows that patients are very happy to pay for the service,” Cooper says.
“The patients love it: I had a patient say it is worth paying slightly extra just to see what the back of their eye looks like.”
An added benefit is that Cooper is getting good views of children’s retinas – something he struggled with before.
“If you sit down with a 90-diopter lens or an indirect ophthalmoscope and you pour bright light into them, they just instantly look away. You’re only getting very rapid glimpses of the children’s eyes,” Cooper says.
“It’s fantastic: the youngest we’ve had on the Daytona was five years old, and we’ve got good, clear images of their retina. It’s a lovely little security blanket to have with children.”
And like Choc, Cooper says optomap scans can be sent to the nearest retinal specialist in Toowoomba with ease.
“We can just email an optomap through to him and, if there’s something there, he’ll let us know.”
Moreover, Cooper says that Optos’ ultra-widefield devices are within reach for all optometrists thanks to flexible purchasing options, making it possible for next-level imaging to become a standard fixture in any practice.
Looking forward, Cooper sees the potential for even greater integration of such technology into everyday practice.
He envisions a future where young retinal specialists, trained with access to these tools from the beginning of their careers, could provide invaluable guidance and continuing education to optometrists.
In the meantime, Cooper is content with the impact the Optos Daytona has had on his practice and his patients. As he continues to navigate the challenges of rural optometry, he does so with the confidence that he is offering the best possible care, thanks to the Daytona.
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