New device makes comprehensive eye exams easier for patients, doctor

By Jennifer McDaniel, jennifermcdaniel@miconews.com

Spring Hill optometrist Bill Whitesell assists Laura Sturm with the office’s new device, the optomap, which allows a comprehensive view of the retina in minutes without needing to dilate a patient’s pupils. The exam will be available for all patients, beginning next week. (Jennifer McDaniel / jennifermcdaniel@miconews.com)

Having an eye exam often means having to deal with the hassle of having your pupils dilated.

But a new device is allowing optometrist Dr. Bill Whitesell to get a comprehensive view of the retina in minutes without needing to use messy eye drops.

The optomap retinal exam arrived in Whitesell’s Spring Hill office two weeks ago, and training is already under way. Another round of training is planned for mid-May, Whitesell said, as he plans to run select patients through the exam to see if the device picks up on their previously detected eye problems. The device will be available for exams beginning May 13.

The test allows Whitesell to view the retina to detect the early signs of eye disease as well as the onset of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and cancer, illnesses which often show up first in the retina. The exam’s ultra-wide view allows a doctor to check the health of the retina or detect abnormalities without dilating the pupil.

“The goal is, it’s designed to be used on anyone,” he said. “It’s especially good for children.”

The exam was developed in Scotland in 1992 by Douglas Anderson, whose son lost his sight in one eye at the age of 5. Despite regular eye exams, traditional tests were uncomfortable, especially for young children, which made it difficult to detect a problem. Because doctors were unable to conduct a thorough exam, a retinal detachment went undetected in the child’s eye.

Whitesell said patients have a choice in whether they have the exam done as a preventative measure. While it is generally not covered by insurance, the exam itself costs $35.

“It really helps detect problems and helps us track the health of the eye year to year,” he said. “It helps us catch problems a lot earlier. It enables us to look inside the eye and check for eye health without having to dilate. We can feel more comfortable about whether the inside of the eye is healthy.”

Whitesell said he has considered adding the device for the past two to three years, but the expense was too much. But financing programs made the device too good to pass up. His practice is now the only one in Miami County offering the exam.

In his 11th year in business, Whitesell said the addition is just another service he offers residents locally without having to travel to Kansas City. Comprehensive eye exams, specialized contact lens fitting and 24-hour emergency care are just a few of the services he offers. Additionally, Whitesell has a Web site, www.visionsource-drwhitesell.com, that offers additional information and education for patients and services such as completing patient history data online instead of on paper.