10:10am Saturday 5th May 2012
Highly advanced technology to help people with eye conditions is available at Airedale Hospital, Steeton, thanks to generous donations from patients.
The hospital’s ophthalmology service can now offer scans using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) equipment, which provides high resolution 3D images of the retina. This enables the eye to be examined in previously unimaginable detail.
The scanner will help the ophthalmology team diagnose and manage many types of eye problem, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetes-related eye disease.
The machine was bought with money given by local people, including patients and their relatives.
Describing the OCT scanning process, an Airedale Hospital spokesman said: “It’s non-invasive, completely painless, and quick to carry out. Results are available instantly to show to patients, enabling them to gain a better understanding of their eye condition.
“Moreover, patients no longer need to travel to Bradford hospitals for the scan.”
Paul Brogden, consultant ophthalmologist and clinical lead for ophthalmology at Airedale, said: “We’re delighted to have this new piece of equipment as it will improve the quality of patient care we are able to offer. I would also like to thank everyone who has given so generously, which has enabled the department to buy this machine.”
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