3D OCT Retinal Imaging Scans

Not at all. OCT is completely non-invasive and requires no contact with your eye. You simply rest your chin on a support, look at a target light, and the scan is done in a matter of seconds. Most patients barely notice it.

A standard eye exam evaluates how well you see and checks the visible structures of your eye. OCT goes much further, capturing detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, optic nerve, and other internal structures that can't be seen with the naked eye alone. It's the difference between looking at the surface and seeing what's underneath.

For most healthy adults, once a year alongside your comprehensive eye exam is sufficient. If you have a condition like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetes, or if you take medications like Plaquenil, your optometrist may recommend more frequent scans to monitor any changes over time.

OCT imaging is covered by Alberta Health Care when it is medically necessary. However, it is not billed routinely as part of a standard eye exam. Alberta Health Care also limits the number of covered scans within a given year, so if additional scans are required beyond that, there may be out-of-pocket costs. Our team will always walk you through what's covered before your exam so there are no surprises.

Yes, OCT imaging is considered safe during pregnancy. The scan uses light waves rather than radiation, so there is no known risk to you or your baby. It's worth noting that pregnancy can cause temporary changes in the eyes, including shifts in prescription. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes, and for those already living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it can accelerate the progression of diabetic retinopathy. For these reasons, staying on top of your eye health during pregnancy is especially important. As always, let your optometrist know you are pregnant so they can take your full health picture into account.

OCT is one of the most powerful tools we have for detecting early signs of glaucoma, but it is one piece of a larger puzzle. Glaucoma diagnosis relies on several factors together, including OCT scans of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layer, eye pressure measurements, visual field testing, and a thorough clinical examination. OCT is particularly valuable because it can detect structural changes in the optic nerve before vision loss begins, often years before a patient would notice anything wrong. So while OCT alone cannot diagnose glaucoma, it plays a central role in catching it early and monitoring it over time.