Optos and Iwellness Retinal Screenings at Birch Run Eyecare Associates

At Birch Run Eyecare Associates, our commitment is to deliver exceptional comprehensive eye exams to all our patients.

While traditional methods such as examining the back of the eye through dilation and specialized magnifying lenses have served us well, modern technology offers us the opportunity to obtain even more detailed and precise insights into ocular health through two screening scans.

What is the optos screening?

The first scan, known as the optos screen, functions like a photograph, providing our doctors with an exceptionally wide view of the interior of the eye. Photo documentation, renowned for capturing minute details, enhances our diagnostic capabilities significantly. An Optos screen is an image of the retina, which is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be directly observed. In addition to detecting eye conditions, signs of other diseases such as stroke, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes can also be identified in the retina. These conditions often manifest in the retina before any visual or other symptoms appear elsewhere in the body. While standard eye exams typically focus on the front of the eye to assess health and prescription changes, a thorough screening of the retina is crucial for confirming overall eye health.

What is the iwellness screening?

The second scan, the iwellness screen, operates similarly to an X-ray, offering both qualitative and quantitative data. This data, unattainable through the optos screen alone, enriches our understanding and assessment of ocular health. This advanced scan detects subtle changes in eye anatomy earlier, potentially leading to early detection of serious conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. If we detect or suspect an eye condition during the iWellness OCT screening, we may recommend further testing or management. We believe this technology presents a significant opportunity for proactive eye care for each of our patients.
Picture below is a healthy iwellness scan.

How are the screening photos captured?

Optomap and iwellness imaging is quick, safe, and effective, suitable for both adults and children. During the exam, the patient looks into a device one eye at a time, similar to peering through a keyhole, while a brief flash of light captures the retina’s image.

How much does it cost?

Please note that while these two retinal health screenings are essential for early detection of eye conditions, they are not covered by insurance. However, they are eligible expenses under your FSA and HSA plans. We also accept payment via cash, check, and credit card.

Cost of screeners:

• Optos screening: $25
• Iwellness screening: $25
• Bundle with both screeners: $40 (save $10)

Who should get the screeners and how often?

Doctors recommend yearly screeners at routine comprehensive eye exams.

• Patients younger than 40 with no diabetes and no family history of eye disease should get the: optos screener
• Patients over 40 (or any patients with a high glasses/contact lens prescription or family history of ocular disease like macular degeneration or glaucoma) should get both the optos and iwellness screener.

We emphasize that clear vision alone does not necessarily equate to optimal eye health. Many retinal diseases are painless and may not immediately impact vision. Therefore, these advanced screening technologies play a vital role in early detection and proactive management of ocular conditions.

Patient example:

A 44-year-old woman, without any vision complaints while wearing glasses, reads approximately 20/20 in each eye with them on. She has a significant degree of nearsightedness (myopia), with a prescription close to -8.00 in each eye. The Optos photo of her retina appears healthy with no abnormalities. However, the iWellness scan, similar to an X-ray or ultrasound, revealed a condition called macular schisis, likely due to her high glasses prescription. This places her at a heightened risk for vision loss.