What is the Advanced Eye Test?
Our Advanced Eye Test includes an OCT scan (Optical Coherence Tomography), alongside your Essential Eye Test, which also includes our Dry Eye Evaluation.*
Using specialist eye scanning technology, it helps detect more than 10 health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, providing a deeper insight into your eye health.
How much does an Advanced Eye Test cost?
As the Advanced Eye Test includes additional scans beyond the Essential Eye Test, extra charges may apply from £25.**
What is an OCT eye scan?
Unless your vision has changed, it’s easy to overlook your eye health. But your eyes can reveal a great deal about your overall health. OCT, or Optical Coherence Tomography, is an advanced eye scan that provides a more detailed view of the eye than our Essential Eye Test. It works similarly to an ultrasound, but uses light waves instead of sound waves to create images.
It only takes a couple of minutes and by looking into the retina's layers. An OCT scan can help to detect signs of underlying conditions including:
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Cardiovascular disease
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Tumours
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Macular hole
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Multiple sclerosis
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Medication toxicities
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Retinal detachment
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Hereditary ocular disease i.e. Retinitis Pigmentosa
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Autoimmune disease
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Age related macular diseases i.e. Cystoid macular oedema post cataract surgery
Lots of eye health problems don’t have visible symptoms until they’re quite advanced, which means that something could be going on behind the scenes without you knowing. By detecting underlying conditions in their early stages, your optometrist can help to manage problems before they get worse.
Book an eye test online today and add an OCT scan to your eye test at your appointment in store.
What happens at an OCT scan?
Short for time? Don’t worry. An OCT scan only takes a couple of minutes, so there’s no need to put aside any extra time.
Here’s what to expect at your OCT scan:
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A colleague will scan your eyes with the high-tech 3D OCT camera.
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The optometrist will examine the high-resolution 3D images using specialist built-in analysis tools. Once they’re done, they’ll discuss the results with you.
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Next time you come in for an eye test, your optometrist can compare new scan results with old ones. This can help with early diagnosis by detecting the smallest changes to the retina.
Although the scan is totally painless, you may feel slightly dazzled for a few seconds. Don’t worry, this is totally normal and should pass quickly. It’s a similar feeling to having your photo taken with a bright flash.
Lucy highlights the importance of regular eye tests and OCT scans
During an OCT scan and eye test, it was identified that the optic nerve head had changed in appearance compared to previous images taken in 2020. Lucy was urgently referred to the hospital and was diagnosed with intracranial hypertension (rise in pressure in skull). This visit potentially saved Lucy’s life, as prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical for relieving pressure and preventing future brain injury.
Learn more about your OCT Scan
Next steps
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Our OCT eye scan is available at the majority of Boots Opticians stores. Use our store locator and check the store services for OCT to find your nearest store.
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Book an eye test online or by calling 0345 125 3752.*** Once you arrive at your appointment, you can ask to have the OCT scan on the day.
What to consider
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Because our Advanced Eye Test involves separate scans to our Essential Eye Test, additional charges from £25 may apply.**
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If you need a new set of glasses after the test, our in-store colleague will be on hand to help and give you advice on the frames to suite your lifestyle. You can check out our wide range of prescription glasses before your appointment here. Please note store availability may vary.
Terms and conditions
*Our Dry Eye Evaluation is included as part of every adult sight test only.
**An OCT examination must be conducted in conjunction with an eye examination and cannot be offered separately. This is because the health information the OCT provides needs to be analysed alongside the information and results from the accompanying eye examination. Separate eye examinations charges may apply. Additional charges from £25 may apply. Price may vary across regional stores.
***Local call rates apply. Mobile charges may vary. here.
