What OCT to buy in 2023? And how to ensure you get a return on investment

Optical coherence tomography was a revolutionary advancement in ophthalmology. Providing optometrists with high resolution, cross-sectional pictures of the retina, allowing them to identify and diagnose sight threatening conditions early enough to save the patient's vision.

Currently, there are a wide range of OCT machines that eye care professionals are using to diagnose the various eye conditions, but if you’re in the market to upgrade your machine, or you’re brand new to OCTs, it can be a difficult decision on which one to invest in.

For optometrists to be part of the OcuPlan network, there is a minimum standard requirement for OCT reports, our consultant ophthalmologists require cross-sectional images of the retina, a macular thickness report and optic nerve head report detailing the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL). The vast majority of new OCT machines provide this as standard. But if you’re investing in a refurbished machine, it’s worth checking this.

OCT machines range from approximately £5,000 for a refurbished machine through to £70,000+ which is a considerable investment. Optician practices want to know that they will be able to generate a return on their OCT investment and this is where OcuPlan can help. Scroll to the bottom of the article to learn more.

If you are considering investing in an OCT to enhance your practice, below we have chosen 6 machines that are popular with OcuPlan optician practices, highlighting their unique features and why they would be a necessary addition to your practice.

Heidelberg have several OCT machines which all benefit from an upgradable platform allowing practices to enhance their machine without having to invest in a brand new model. The Spectralis Spirit is a compact machine that allows the user to choose from a range of engine speeds. It has a good quality of imaging and offers 10-layer visualisation.

Key functionality:

Budget: ££

Lean more - https://business-lounge.heidelbergengineering.com/gb/en/products/spectralis-spirit/spectralis-spirit/

Zeiss Primus 200 is an ideal OCT for smaller practices. It is Zeiss’ compact entry model, but still packs a punch to provide all the necessary reports and includes central corneal thickness measurements and anterior segment imaging. It benefits from glaucoma early detection through optic nerve head and retinal nerve fibre layer analysis and the quality of images is good.

Key functionality:

Budget: ££

Learn more - https://www.zeiss.com/meditec/en/products/optical-coherence-tomography-devices/zeiss-primus-200.html

The Nidek Retina Scan 2 is a combined OCT and fundus camera system that is a user-friendly, versatile unit that provides high-definition images and value-added features. It is very easy to operate and does not require high technical skills. The Nidek RS-330 retina scan duo will guarantee high-quality output and efficient operations, making it suitable for use across practices of different sizes.

Key functionality:

Budget: ££

Learn More - https://www.birminghamoptical.co.uk/product/nidek-retina-scan-duo-2/

According to Zeiss, early adopters of the Cirrus 6000 have noted the new 100kHz scan speed offers significant workflow improvements and acquisition success, even for more difficult patients. With OCT cube scans captured in as little as 0.4 seconds, this is said to bring an improvement of 270% on previous models. The Cirrus platform also ensures seamless transfer of raw patient data from previous generations of the device – enabling clinicians to maintain continuity of care, with trusted progression reports being a key factor in glaucoma management and other ocular diseases.

Key Features:

Budget: £££

Learn More - https://www.zeiss.com/meditec/en/products/optical-coherence-tomography-devices/cirrus-6000-performance-oct.html

Topcon Maestro2 is fast, multi-modality OCT/Fundus imaging and advanced data management. The Maestro2 is the complete clinical workstation for any busy practice. It automatically performs alignment, focus, optimising, and capturing with a single touch. In addition to automated capture, the Maestro2 offers manual/semi-manual options for difficult-to-image patients.

Key Features:

Budget: £££

Learn More - https://topconhealthcare.eu/en_EU/products/maestro2

The Optopol Revo FC is an affordable OCT option that doesn’t scrimp on functionality. The combination of an all-in-one OCT technology with a Full Color Fundus Camera in one compact system delivers high quality OCT images together with a detailed colour fundus photo for a multipurpose diagnosis.

The ability to capture colour fundus images and OCT scans with hardware eye-tracking of the retina in just one shot is a major time and space saver. What makes the REVO FC truly unique is its integrated non-mydriatic 12.3 Mpix Fundus Camera capable of capturing ultra-high quality and detailed colour images.

Key Functionality:

Budget ££

Learn More - https://www.bibonline.co.uk/products/optopol-revo-fc-oct#prettyPhoto

If purchasing a new OCT machine isn’t an option, a refurbished OCT could be right for your practice. More and more refurbished OCT machines come onto the market every day. If this is the right option for you, ensure you choose a machine that can still be serviced and still has parts available and always buy from a reputable company. OCT manufacturers sell refurbished machines through their websites, there are also a couple more auction sites we’d recommend:

OCT machines vary in price, new machines start at approximately £26,000 and can cost upwards of £70,000. This is a huge investment for optician practices. While practice owners see the value in the OCT machine they are often concerned about how quickly they can achieve a return on their investment and want to avoid the machine sitting idle.

OcuPlan offers a way of generating recurring revenue by enabling optician practices to regularly see patients who require OCT scans to monitor their long-term eye disease. Converting a patient to OcuPlan typically doubles the patient profitability by adding an extra £100 revenue per year without increasing costs.

Furthermore, if a practice converts 100 patients this would generate approximately an extra £10k per year, which goes a long way to funding a new OCT machine.

By spending time with our network development team, we can show you exactly how OcuPlan can help you to fund or pay off your new OCT machine through our simple calculator tool. We'll discuss what your goals are and provide you with a clear report detailing how OcuPlan can help you to achieve them.

To learn more or to book an appointment, please email Georgina georgina@ocuplan.co.uk