What is the role of specialist optometrists and imaging technicians in laser eye surgery?

The specialist optometrist and imaging technicians both play a significant part in your laser eye surgery journey at OCL.

At the initial consultation the technician will take you to have the various tests done on your eyes; these tests help to determine your suitability for laser eye surgery.

One of the most significant tests is called corneal topography. This images the front window (cornea) of the eye using a rotating camera measurement which takes a few seconds per eye. The results of this tell us whether the cornea is regular or irregular in shape, how thick and steep the cornea is and how big the space is between the cornea and the lens.

You will also have an IOP check which stands for intraocular pressures. This test measures the pressure inside the eye. Other tests performed include an auto-refraction test which gives the optometrist a starting point for your eye prescription if needed and pupillometry which measures pupil size in the dark. This helps determine the treatment zone diameter when planning the laser eye surgery procedure.

Once all the tests are performed, the specialist optometrist then formally measures the eye prescription (refraction). This is the examination where you look at a chart on the wall and the optometrist then places different lenses in front of your eyes and asks what looks clear or blurry.
Once the level of prescription is established, the optometrist will also examine your eyes in detail to check for any abnormalities. Following this, the surgeon performing your surgery at OCL will talk to you about your results and let you know whether you’re suitable for laser eye surgery as well as take you through the relevant procedure and what to expect on the day. If you are not suitable for laser there may be a variety of other surgery options available to you which will also be discussed if needed.

If you are suitable for laser eye surgery, you will be able to book in for your treatment at a date and time to suit you. Following laser eye surgery, you will have check-ups where you’ll see one of the team, usually the specialist optometrist, who will check your vision and examine your eyes to ensure that everything is progressing well.

Our specialist optometrists are highly trained and have many years of experience in the field of vision correction. They are also friendly and approachable and are here to help giving you the time and attention you need to answer all your questions, explain everything thoroughly and check you are happy with your results.

The optometrists work closely with our surgeons and the rest of the team and feedback to us on each patient so we are able to cater for all your needs and to ensure you receive the best experience possible at OCL.