Fundus photography

A fundus or retinal camera is a specialised low power microscope with an attached camera designed to photograph the interior surface of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, macula and posterior pole (i.e. the fundus). Fundus cameras are used by optometrists for diagnosis of  eye disease, monitoring the progression of a disease or in screening programs, where the high resolution digital photographs can be analysed later.

Before the photos are taken, it is occasionally necessary to dilate the patient's pupils with drops. This prevents the pupils automatically constricting from the bright light of the camera flash. The patient then places their chin on a chin rest and, as the photographer takes the photos, the patient will see a flash. The whole test takes approximately 2 minutes.

 

Retinal photography is used to document the health of the optic nerve, macula, retina and its blood vessels as well as keeping a permanent photographic reference of your eye health so we can review it again when you come back to see us next time. Photos are taken routinely as part of all private eye examinations and are offered to NHS patients for a small fee.