The Optomap is an ultra-widefield retinal scan that captures up to 200 degrees of the retina in a fraction of a second — roughly five times more of the retina than a conventional fundus photograph, and usually without dilating drops. It lets your specialist examine the far periphery of the retina where sight-threatening problems such as retinal tears, detachment and diabetic changes often begin. In the UK, a private Optomap scan costs from an indicative £75, or is included in a wider retinal or eye-health assessment.
What is an Optomap scan?
Optomap is a scanning laser imaging technology made by Optos. Using red and green lasers, it produces a single high-resolution, ultra-widefield image of the retina — the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Traditional retinal photography and even a dilated examination can be hard to obtain right out to the edges; Optomap captures the central retina and far periphery together, in seconds, in most cases without the need for drops that blur your vision for hours.
It is widely used across UK optometry and ophthalmology as a fast, comfortable way to screen and monitor retinal health, and to document findings so change can be tracked over time.
Why have an ultra-widefield scan?
- Sees the periphery — many tears, holes and early detachments start at the retinal edge
- Fast and comfortable — a single capture per eye, usually without dilating drops
- Early detection — helps pick up diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, naevi and tumours sooner
- A permanent record — images are stored so your specialist can compare year on year
- Reassurance for symptoms — valuable when you notice new floaters or flashes
New floaters or flashing lights? An ultra-widefield retinal scan checks the retina for tears and detachment quickly and comfortably.
Book a retinal scanWhat happens during the scan
An Optomap scan is quick, painless and non-contact. Nothing touches your eye.
- You look into the device and focus on a small target.
- You are asked to keep your eye open wide for a moment.
- The scanning lasers capture an ultra-widefield image of the retina in under half a second.
- The process is repeated for the other eye, and your specialist reviews the images with you.
Most people do not need dilating drops for an Optomap, so you can usually drive straight afterwards. Your specialist may still recommend drops or additional tests such as an OCT retinal scan or OCT angiography if a closer look at specific layers is needed.
What an Optomap can detect
Ultra-widefield imaging supports the early detection and monitoring of many retinal and eye conditions, including:
- Retinal tears and holes, and signs of retinal detachment
- Causes of new floaters and flashes, assessed alongside a same-day flashes & floaters check
- Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema
- Age-related macular degeneration changes
- Retinal naevi (freckles) and other peripheral lesions that need monitoring
An Optomap does not replace a full clinical examination, but it is a powerful addition that helps your specialist find and follow problems earlier.
Optomap scan cost
Indicative pricing for a private Optomap ultra-widefield retinal scan:
- Optomap scan: from £75 (indicative), including specialist review of both eyes.
- As part of an assessment: often bundled into a retinal or comprehensive eye-health consultation.
- Add-on imaging: OCT or OCT angiography can be added where a detailed cross-section is needed.
You may also wish to compare a corneal topography scan. Prices are indicative and confirmed at your consultation.