We are pleased to inform you that during your next visit to Isthmus Eye Care, S.C., you can experience the benefits of an exciting new technology in eye exams - the Optomap™ Retinal Exam. The Optomap will produce the most comprehensive image of your retina, and allow the doctor to perform a more thorough exam than was previously possible. The result is that we can better prevent or reduce vision loss in our patients with a simple, quick and patient-friendly new technology.

IMPORTANT: The Optomap Retinal Exam is an elective procedure. The doctors highly recommend that you elect to undergo an Optomap Retinal Exam for a baseline eye health evaluation. The fee for the Optomap procedure is $32 for an image of one or both eyes. This is not a billable procedure toward HMO, vision plan, or insurance coverage.

Any routine eye exam should always include a careful look at the retina, which is located at the back of the eye, to assess for abnormalities or disease. The sensitive tissue that makes up the retina is susceptible to a variety of diseases that can ultimately lead to partial loss of vision or even complete blindness. Early detection of any retinal abnormality is crucial.

Normal Retina		Retina with Lattice Degeneration
The human retina is about the size of a large postage stamp. Normal blood vessels, optic nerve, and retina tissue which is essentially the "wallpaper" on the inside of the eye.		The abnormal areas of this retina are on the left side of this image, looking like stretch marks with dark pigmentation. This condition can lead to retinal holes, tears, or even detachments.

The Optomap is made possible by using a new technology - the Panoramic200™ Retinal Imaging System. The Optomap enables the doctor to see a high resolution digital image of the retina. The Optomap image is captured as a standard part of your examination pre-testing performed by our highly trained optometric technicians, done even before your eyes are dilated. The Image is acquired with special laser technology in only a quarter of a second, and is entirely safe. The doctor will review the image at your chairside in the exam room on a flat panel computer monitor, in order to compare the digital image with the results of your retinal eye health examination.

The Optomap exam is simple — at the push of a button, the doctor gets a digital image of your retina for immediate review. As you see in the two images at the top, normal versus abnormal is easy to see with Optomap. Your Isthmus optometrists recommend an Optomap at your next visit!

Your Isthmus Eye Care optometrists recommend this Optomap utilization pattern:

1. No previous Optomap? Optomap recommended for baseline along with dilation
2. Previous Optomap captured and dilated health examination completed one year ago? Optomap repeat recommended; Dilation eye drops may be optional
3. Last exam two years ago or more? Optomap and dilation recommended.
4. Optomap and dilation is recommended annually for patients who have a history of eye disease, highly nearsighted eyes, diabetic or vascular health history, previous retinal abnormalities, or symptoms of blurred vision or floaters and flashes