Optometrist requiring Optomap retinal screening due to COVID

[NanoSour]

So I just got a text reminder of up coming annual eye exam with Optometrist. They've always gently pushed for an Optomap retinal screening which wasn't covered by insurance and I always politely declined. None in my family are at risk of vision loss and the additional cost was $39/per.

In the latest text they advised that Optomap screening was now required due to COVID-19. Can't help but think this is a money grab to recoup the cost of their screening equipment. I suspect not many take them up on the additional cost given insurance doesn't find it necessary screening procedure.

Also, I can't see how Covid would suddenly require this screen, but I'm not a Doctor and don't play one on TV. So what do I know? Just gets my suspicions up.

 

[MRG]

I'm not a doctor but I do have retina issues and never heard of the test. My retina specialist has done a number of tests, all covered by insurance, for detached retina.

Here's a link to Mayo:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/eye-exam/faq-20058064

Although laser retina scans can detect some retinal abnormalities, the scans have limitations. For example, laser retina scans might not detect problems on the outside edges of the retinas, where serious problems can occur. You might also consider what the procedure costs and whether it's covered by your medical insurance.

 

[homestead]

Had the test the last few times. Docs like to show it to me. Claims you can see cholesterol levels in the vessels and tell how well a person handles stress by how straight the veins are.
It is still optional.

 

[cbo111]

I ponied up the $40 for the scan a couple years ago. It made pretty pictures that were "normal." This year I said no thanks. The optometrist acted like I personally let him down.

 

[braumeister]

I've never heard of it, and I go to the best ophthalmologist in town. Had my most recent checkup (every other year) just last month.

 

[RunningBum]

This was suggested to me when I went to a new eye doctor and asked about looking for early signs of macular degeneration before it shows up with the Ansler grid. They didn't push it, but I've done if the last two times. The health of the macula is one of the things they see. It was the same cost, $39. Maybe it's giving me a false sense of security but since my dad has it, macular degeneration is a source of worry.

I probably wouldn't go to a doctor I was suspicious of.

 

[Amethyst]

I've been getting retinal scans (no special brand name has ever been used) at the optometrist's (various ones) since the early 1990's, and assumed it was standard. We don't have vision insurance, though, so I never thought to question it.

 

[OldShooter]

I have minor and very slowly progressing macular degeneration. Have been on the AREDS pills for quite a few years. A laser retina scan is part of the routine for my semiannual visits to the retina specialist. I have never heard the Optomap trade name and am on general principles highly suspicious of drug and device manufacturers who market directly to the ignorant consumer audience.

I am pretty sure that the retina scans I am routinely given cost more than forty bucks. Doc goes over the resulting photos with me and they are quite detailed both looking at the retina surface and looking at a cross-section. The idea that insurance might not pay has never come up. It pays.

I'd suggest that the OP contact the insurance company and ask for an explanation of why they deny coverage. Maybe denial is limited to this brand; maybe it's quackery.

Re "required because of COVID-19," absent a thorough credible explanation it sounds like a revenue enhancement program to me. Here is a kind of amateurish business analysis of a scanning machine: https://www.reviewob.com/june-4-2014/ Do I think this guy is primarily interested in its medical value? No. More info: https://www.optiboard.com/forums/showthread.php/22812-Optos-Optomap

 

[6miths]

I do sometimes wonder how the rest of the world manages to survive without all these fancy tests.

 

[FreeBear]

I've never heard of it, and I go to the best ophthalmologist in town. Had my most recent checkup (every other year) just last month.

Interesting, good to hear. Never had a scan until DW dragged me into a fancy place catering to rich folks, or at least folks who want to look rich . Thinks eyeglass FRAMES that cost over $500, plus lenses plus exam. .


Yes, the frames were amazing, but they were so expensive, I stretch far too long between new scripts...

I do sometimes wonder how the rest of the world manages to survive without all these fancy tests.

Maybe they go to Costco. We went to Costco vision for the first time. No "scans" upsold or even offered. My glasses came out very well, although DW still fighting her contacts. Awaiting a redo. So I'm sticking with Costco, we'll see for DW's contacts.


I love the low-key, no BS approach at Costco. The old boutique place pushed the scans and turned pretty nasty if declined. Seemed like I'd try half the frames in the store over an hour, only to really choose from 2 that really fit. At Costco, the tech knew my frame size from just looking at me and quickly narrowed the choice down in less than 15 minutes. My glasses cost maybe 30% of the fancy place, close to online prices, but the frames are still very good. Cheap enough and no drama. Maybe I can afford to keep my script sharp now!

 

[6miths]

Yes I have to admit that I love Costco too. No nonsense basic acuity test, refractive exam, check pressure, dilate to have a look around at retina and lens. Think that's all one needs unless specific concerns or conditions.

 

[bluelight]

Maybe they go to Costco. We went to Costco vision for the first time. No "scans" upsold or even offered. My glasses came out very well, although DW still fighting her contacts. Awaiting a redo. So I'm sticking with Costco, we'll see for DW's contacts.

I have an appt at Costco vision next week. I asked if they dilate and was told no, they are now using this Optomap instead.

Last year a local Optometrist tried to push the Optomap on me, I had never heard of it before. I declined. Miss my old Optometrist, but he's too far away to visit now. I haven't decided yet what I will do when I'm at the Costco vision appt.

 

[DektolMan]

DW & I just had our annual exams last week and no push or requirement to have the Optomap test. I'd say it is a money maker for the Optometrist.

 

[atmsmshr]

When my optometrist offered the Optimap for about the same price - what sold me was that the doctor would not dilatate my pupils to perform the standard interior eye exam.

Showed me the first scan and said that the Ophthalmologist did a nice job on the surgical laser repair of my retinal tear. Quipped that I had no such surgery, she paused and said that I had a tear on the border of peripheral vision, and it must have healed on its own when I was younger. The standard scans with dilation never picked up on this defect because of its peripheral location.

My mother, and my paternal grandmother both had retinal tears in their golden years. Mother had surgery and retained most of her vision, grandmother went blind in one eye. I even remember a great grandmother blind in one eye.

Gotten the Optimap every year out of my own pocket ever since. Its only $40/year for catching something early that could have devastating consequences.

I will re-use dryer sheets to make up for the expense.

 

[jazz4cash]

I got an email saying Covid related heathcare is 100% covered so if they are saying it is required due to covid it should be covered. I've had problems getting some providers to realize they must file BCBS in addition to vision coverage for certain services.

 

[MRG]

I've had 3 appointments with ophthalmologists in August and one this week no optimap required.

 

[MBAustin]

Our optometrist has used Optomap for the entire 20 years we've been going there and it's always been $39. Since our vision insurance (unlike my retiree medical) is exceptionally comprehensive, that's usually just about all I have to pay for. As my mother had macular degeneration which significantly reduced her quality of life in her last few years, I figure it's cheap. Also I hate having my eyes dilated.

 

[JoeWras]

I usually let them do it so I can avoid the dilation.

This year, we're skipping the optometrist. We have no major issues, or borderline pressures, etc. It can wait a year.

 

[RetMD21]

Optometrists have to make a living!

 

[EastWest Gal]

Interesting question. My thoughts on main pros and cons

Pros: 1. It provides an image that an exam does not, which stays in the record and can be compared exam after exam for changes.
2. The image can be zoomed in for detail examination.
3. Does not require dilation.
Cons:
1. It does not replace a dilated eye exam, as the edges of the retina cannot be imaged with the Optomap.
2. Insurance may not cover.

I never heard of an Optoscan before this thread. It sounds intriguing to me. It is probably very good at detecting macular degeneration, and subtle eye changes, which may not always be important. I've been going to an ophthalmologist for the past 20 years because of a family history of glaucoma, and I've had good insurance. I've worn glasses since I was eight.

But COVID is no reason for an Optomap. That bothers me a lot.

 

[FreeBear]

I have an appt at Costco vision next week. I asked if they dilate and was told no, they are now using this Optomap instead.

Last year a local Optometrist tried to push the Optomap on me, I had never heard of it before. I declined. Miss my old Optometrist, but he's too far away to visit now. I haven't decided yet what I will do when I'm at the Costco vision appt.

Interesting. I heard that the Costco optometrists are independent, so it stands to reason services vary w/ location. We have 3 Costco opticals in our city. Only one of them fits gas permeable contacts needed by DW.

I usually let them do it so I can avoid the dilation.

This year, we're skipping the optometrist. We have no major issues, or borderline pressures, etc. It can wait a year.

Again interesting. My Costco optometrist has us sign an (optional) dilation waver upon intake, but the doc didn't dilate either of us. Maybe this is an age and medical history thing?? Well, the doc's throughput is better if he doesn't have to wait for dilation...

...


I never heard of an Optoscan before this thread. It sounds intriguing to me. It is probably very good at detecting macular degeneration, and subtle eye changes, which may not always be important. I've been going to an ophthalmologist for the past 20 years because of a family history of glaucoma, and I've had good insurance. I've worn glasses since I was eight.

But COVID is no reason for an Optomap. That bothers me a lot.

No scan on my last Costco optical exam, but the optometrist performed the usual "visual inspection" of my eyes with the light and magnifier. He had to get VERY close to my face for the procedure. Of course, we were both wearing masks and it was fairly quick.

Maybe some offices are substituting the scan for the Dr's direct inspection?? Less exposure?

 

[ocean view]

Our optometrist has used Optomap for the entire 20 years we've been going there and it's always been $39. Since our vision insurance (unlike my retiree medical) is exceptionally comprehensive, that's usually just about all I have to pay for. As my mother had macular degeneration which significantly reduced her quality of life in her last few years, I figure it's cheap. Also I hate having my eyes dilated.

+1

I was going to write nearly the exact review.

At least 20 years of Optomap, always $39 for the entire time. Way better than dilation.

The best thing, in my opinion, is that the images are saved to your file and can be used to compare for changes year over year. Well worth the cost for me and my family.

 

[OldShooter]

The idea that dilation is a factor doesn't really make sense to me. With dilation my doc can get a better look at my eyes, which is the whole point of the exam in the first place. No, I don't like it. But I like the idea of getting an incomplete exam much less. I would not go to a doc that did not do it unless he had a really clear justification to say that it was not beneficial.

 

[FreeBear]

The idea that dilation is a factor doesn't really make sense to me. With dilation my doc can get a better look at my eyes, which is the whole point of the exam in the first place. No, I don't like it. But I like the idea of getting an incomplete exam much less. I would not go to a doc that did not do it unless he had a really clear justification to say that it was not beneficial.

When we used to go to the boutique optical shop, they would first dilate, then scan (optional), then the doc would manually check the eyes with the bright light and magnifier. Belt and suspenders!