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OCT-A in practice 2: Branch retinal vein occlusion

Instruments Clinical Practice
In the second of his case studies showing the usefulness of OCT angiography in community practice, winner of this year’s Technology Practice of the Year award Kirit Patel discusses a case of vein occlusion management. He also tells Optician about his practice and what his Optician Award means to him and his team

The optometrist’s role is to undertake full eye examination, diagnose any ocular or visual disorder and, if necessary, refer patients for appropriate management. Nowadays with retinal cameras, OCT scanners and highly technologically advanced equipment available in general practice we are able to diagnose ocular conditions accurately.

OCT provides a rapid, non-invasive method to assess retinal tissue at a microscopic level. We are able, for example, to decipher microaneurysms due to diabetes, and cystoid macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion for instance with much greater accuracy.

OCT-A

Fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) was considered the gold standard in the evaluation of retinal vascular perfusion and diagnosis of ischaemia. Unfortunately, it is time consuming, costly and invasive so can lead to anaphylaxis. For optometric practices it is not a viable option.

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