A Heidelberg Spectralis OCT retinal scan costs from around £75–£200 as a standalone scan privately in the UK in 2026, or is included within a consultant eye assessment costing £200–£350. The Spectralis is one of the most advanced optical coherence tomography (OCT) platforms used in UK ophthalmology. The scan is quick, painless and non-contact, and is repeated over time to track whether a retinal or macular condition is stable or progressing.
How much does a Heidelberg Spectralis OCT scan cost?
Pricing depends on whether you have the scan on its own or as part of a consultant work-up:
For the wider picture of private eye-care pricing, see our price list. If the scan is part of investigating glaucoma, compare the Humphrey visual field test cost; for a full back-of-the-eye work-up see our guide to a private retina specialist consultation.
What is a Heidelberg Spectralis OCT scan?
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses harmless light waves to build a detailed cross-section of the retina, showing each layer in microscopic detail — a little like an ultrasound scan made with light. The Heidelberg Spectralis adds eye-tracking and confocal imaging, so repeat scans line up precisely on the same spot, which makes it particularly good at spotting small changes over time. You look into the machine while it captures the images; nothing touches your eye and no dye is injected for a standard scan.
Because many retinal and macular problems are painless in their early stages, an OCT scan can reveal fluid, swelling, a membrane or a hole long before your vision is badly affected. Learn more about the conditions it helps diagnose on our macular degeneration, wet AMD and glaucoma pages.
Noticing distortion, a central blur, or have a family history of macular disease or glaucoma? An OCT scan gives you a clear baseline.
Book an OCT assessmentWhy the scan is best read by a consultant
An OCT scan is only as useful as the interpretation behind it. A high-street OCT image can flag that something looks abnormal, but diagnosing and managing a retinal or macular condition needs a consultant ophthalmologist to read the scan alongside your history, vision and a dilated examination — and, where appropriate, further imaging. This is why the all-inclusive consultant assessment is usually better value than paying for a scan in isolation, and why any abnormal finding should lead to a specialist review. Explore treatment options on our macular degeneration treatment and glaucoma treatment pages.