OCT angiography (OCTA) is a private macular scan that images the retinal and choroidal blood vessels without any dye or injection. A standalone OCTA scan starts from £150 in the UK, and it is often included within a full retina consultation. The scan takes seconds, is completely painless and non-contact, and lets a consultant detect and monitor conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion with same-day results.
What is OCT angiography (OCTA)?
OCT angiography is an advanced form of optical coherence tomography. A standard OCT builds a cross-sectional picture of the layers of the retina; OCTA goes further and maps the flow of blood through the microscopic vessels of the retina and macula, producing detailed layer-by-layer images of the retinal circulation.
Crucially, it does this without the fluorescein dye injection that traditional angiography requires. There is no needle, no dye reaction risk and no waiting for dye to circulate — the whole scan is captured by light alone in a few seconds. That makes OCTA ideal for patients who need repeated monitoring, and for anyone who cannot have dye-based imaging.
What an OCTA macular scan detects
OCTA is especially valuable for macular and retinal vascular disease. Your consultant may recommend it to investigate or monitor:
OCTA complements — rather than replaces — a standard structural scan. Many patients have both a Heidelberg Spectralis OCT and OCTA at the same visit for a complete picture. It is also useful in assessing macular degeneration and distinguishing wet AMD from dry AMD.
Been told you need retinal monitoring? A dye-free OCTA scan gives your consultant a detailed vascular map in minutes.
Book an OCTA scanWhat happens on the day
An OCTA appointment is quick and comfortable — there are no injections and nothing touches your eye.
- You're seated at the scanner and asked to rest your chin on a support and look at a target light.
- The machine captures the images using light only — you simply hold your gaze steady for a few seconds per eye.
- Dilating drops are not usually required, though your consultant may use them if a wider view is needed.
- Both eyes are imaged, and the scan is complete within a few minutes.
Because no dye is used, there is no flushing, nausea or staining afterwards, and you can drive home unless dilating drops were given.
Your results
Immediately after
No recovery needed. You can return to normal activities straight away.
Same day
Your consultant reviews the images and explains what they show, often during the same appointment.
Next steps
If treatment or monitoring is needed, a clear plan is agreed — for example anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD or diabetic changes.
If the scan reveals a treatable condition, your consultant will discuss options such as injection treatment for diabetic macular oedema or ongoing surveillance.
OCTA scan cost
- Standalone OCTA macular scan: from £150, including consultant interpretation and a written report.
- Within a full retina consultation: imaging is frequently included in the consultation fee — ask when you book.
- Insurance: where the scan is part of investigating a covered condition, it is usually claimable — we can advise.
OCTA is a diagnostic scan, not a treatment, so pricing reflects imaging and consultant time rather than surgery.