Advanced Eye Checks with 3D OCT Scanning available now

At Coleman Opticians, we’ve always believed that looking after your eyes should be about more than just checking if you need new glasses.

Your eyesight is precious, and regular eye health checks are one of the best ways to protect it for the future.

That’s why we offer 3D OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) eye scans — one of the most advanced technologies available for monitoring the health of your eyes.

Many people haven’t heard of this test, but it’s already changing the way optometrists can detect and track eye conditions and we’ve been pioneering Norwich 3D Eye Scans for some time now.

In this article, we’ll explain what a 3D OCT scan is, why it’s different from a normal eye test, which conditions a 3D Eye Scan can detect, and why so many of our patients choose to include it in their regular check-ups. so we’ll jump straight in.

What is a 3D OCT Scan?

A 3D OCT scan is an advanced piece of technology that takes detailed images of the back of your eye.

Unlike a standard photograph of the retina, OCT works a bit like an ultrasound — but instead of sound waves, it uses light waves to capture incredibly detailed 3D cross-sectional images.

This allows us to look beneath the surface of your retina and examine the different layers inside your eye.

Even the smallest changes that would be invisible during a routine eye test can be detected.

Put simply, OCT gives us a much clearer picture of your eye health and creates a permanent record we can use to track any changes over time.

Why is a 3D OCT Scan Important?

Most people think of eye tests as a way to see if you need glasses or contact lenses. But your eyes can also give clues about wider health issues. Some conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, can develop slowly without any obvious symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.

The benefit of an OCT eye test is that it can detect these issues years earlier than traditional methods. That means we can begin monitoring or treatment sooner — often before you notice any change to your vision.

For many patients, this early warning system provides enormous peace of mind.

What Happens During an OCT Scan?

The scan itself is:

• Completely painless

• Non-invasive – nothing touches your eye

• Quick – usually just a few minutes per eye

You’ll sit in front of the OCT machine and look into a lens while it captures images using harmless light waves. The whole process feels very similar to having a photograph taken of your eye.

Because we include OCT scans as part of a full advanced eye test, you’ll need to allow up to 45 minutes for the appointment. This gives us time to check your prescription, take the scan, and go through the results with you.

Conditions a 3D OCT Scan Can Detect

OCT is a powerful tool for spotting both eye diseases and general health conditions. Here are some of the key problems it helps us identify and monitor:

1. Macular Degeneration

• The macula is the part of your eye responsible for sharp, detailed central vision.

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 50.

• An OCT scan can detect very early signs of macular changes, even before you notice symptoms.

2. Glaucoma

• Known as the “silent thief of sight”, glaucoma damages the optic nerve and often has no warning signs until vision loss occurs.

• OCT scans measure the thickness of nerve fibres at the back of the eye, helping us spot changes long before vision is affected.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy

• Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to sight loss if not detected early.

• OCT scanning can pick up tiny leaks or abnormal vessel growth before they cause major problems.

4. Macular Holes and Puckers

• Small holes or wrinkling in the macula can cause blurred or distorted vision.

• A 3D Oct Scan allows us to monitor these changes accurately and decide if treatment is needed.

5. Cataracts and Other Age-Related Changes

• While cataracts are usually detected through a standard eye exam, OCT can help monitor changes and provide a clearer picture of overall eye health.

6. Vitreous Detachment

• The jelly-like substance inside the eye (the vitreous) can sometimes pull away from the retina.

• A 3D OCT Scan can confirm if this has happened and monitor the situation to prevent further complications.

7. General Health Conditions

• Believe it or not, an OCT scan can sometimes highlight issues linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even early signs of stroke risk.

The Benefits of Regular OCT Scans

The key advantage of OCT is that it doesn’t just give us a one-off snapshot — it builds a record of your eye health over time.

Each time you have a scan, the images are compared with your previous ones. This makes it easier to:

• Spot even the tiniest changes before they become problems

• Track the progress of existing eye conditions

• Provide reassurance that your eyes are healthy

• Tailor treatments and advice to your individual needs

For many of our patients, the knowledge that their eye health is being monitored with such accuracy offers real peace of mind.

How Often Should You Have a 3D OCT Eye Test?

For most adults, we recommend a 3D OCT scan every two years alongside your routine eye test. However, some people may need more regular monitoring, especially if they:

• Have a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration

• Have diabetes or are at risk of developing it

• Already have eye conditions being monitored

• Are over the age of 50

Our optometrists will always advise on the best schedule for your individual situation.

Why Choose Coleman Opticians for OCT Scans?

At Coleman Opticians, we’ve been offering 3D OCT eye scans in Norwich for many years and have built up extensive experience in interpreting the results and advising patients.

What makes us different is our approach:

• We explain everything in plain, simple terms so you fully understand your results.

• We combine technology with personal care — it’s not just about machines, it’s about people.

• We take the time to reassure, answer questions, and give you clear next steps.

Our patients often tell us they didn’t even know OCT existed before visiting us, and now they wouldn’t go without it.

A Reassuring Word for Patients

Eye problems can be worrying, especially when they’re linked with ageing or long-term health conditions. But knowledge is power. By having regular OCT scans, you’re taking positive steps to protect your vision and overall wellbeing.

You may never need treatment — but if you do, catching problems early makes all the difference.

Book Your 3D OCT Eye Scan in Norwich

At Coleman Opticians, we believe your eyesight deserves the best protection possible. Our advanced OCT scans add an extra layer of reassurance to your regular eye tests and could help safeguard your vision for years to come.

Call us on 01603 624564 or book online today to arrange your 3D OCT scan and full eye examination.

Your vision matters — let’s look after it together.