A NORTH Lancashire optician has hailed ground-breaking technology, capable of quickly detecting early signs of eye disease.

Optometrist Philip Jones says more than 100 patients have already made use of the Optomap Retinal Examination, which scans the back of the eye the retina in less than a second.

It can highlight early damage caused by a wide range of conditions, from diabetes and sports injuries to deterioration due to ageing.

The new system, using low-powered laser beams, has been developed in Scotland and has received two major endorsements from American eye institutions.

"We opened this practice five months ago and I was determined to offer the Optomap examination to my new patients," said Mr Jones, whose practice is based at Market Street, Carnforth.

"I had seen the system in operation at a friend's practice in Blackpool and within a few minutes I was completely sold on it. It is such a fantastic machine."

The Optomap's lasers give a digital colour image on a screen, which can be emailed anywhere in the world for a second opinion or consultation.

Using the new system, Mr Jones has already found symptoms in patients' eyes which required further investigation. "Because we can get a much better view of a patient's eyes, it means we can detect symptoms at an early stage. Many of these might not have been easily visible before using the traditional examination.

"I don't go looking for unnecessary problems and in most cases I can reassure the patients that their eyes are healthy," he added.

Mr Jones believes the traditional eye examination with an ophthalmoscope simply does not compare with the new system.

"In addition, there is no need for pupil dilation (putting drops in eyes) which patients don't enjoy.

"I am also now able to sit

down and talk patients through what we can see on screen

and that adds to their understanding."

January 3, 2003 12:00