Does your eye doctor do retinal photography?

I have an eye exam today. Last time I was there they really pushed me to get a retinal photograph. But DH had just been laid off and I did not have a job and money was tight, so I declined. I had also never heard of it and didn't know what to think. I had honestly forgotten about it, but I was filling out the forms for the visit ahead of time and they ask if you want it on the form. Currently we don't have vision insurance and are planning to pay OOP. I don't mind paying for something worthwhile, but I don't want to pay for a "fluff" procedure that isn't really necessary.

In quick googling, this article makes me want to opt out, but I wonder if there is something I am missing?

http://www.optometric.com/mtotw/tip.asp?tip=203

If it's of any relevance I am in my early 40s with a strong family history of Type II diabetes.

ETA: I also have a small pre-retinal fibrosis diagnosed about 20 years ago that causes me no issues.

I have had it done, but I have quite a few complicated genetic problems with my eyes that lead me to Mass Eye and Ear every 6-8months for checkups. They do a CT type scan of the eye, a few other mappings and scannings, pressure tests every few months and a few types of dyes.

I would not consider myself to be in the normal range, more on the visually impaired side of things.

I would call and ask why they do it, are they trying to pay for a machine or is there a reason they want you personally to have it done.

I declined when offered because my eyes dilate to a freakishly huge degree when they put drops in and they had more than an adequate view. The ophthalomologist agreed with my decision. I agree - seems "fluff" to me too.

Well, like the PP said, it seems like there are definite cases where I can see the benefit. But the article I found suggested that a lot of places do push it in order to pay for an expensive machine. Which I am obviously not interested in. I do have a small pre-retinal fibrosis that was diagnosed in my early 20s, but it causes me no trouble and I barely even notice it.

Every 2 years yes. But maybe I should look into it more. I will ask DH as he is in eye medicine field.
/hillary

I have opted for this for several years now. At our office it is $20 extra. I like it because at my eye doctor it opts me out of having to get my eyes dilated (which also makes the exam a bit faster). Also, the pictures are available each year (assuming you are at the same office), so my eye doctor often goes back to compare from prior years. The pictures are pretty neat to look at. That said, I don't know how much over $20 I would spend on it.

My DH says for a normal person (with no risks) younger than 60 it would not be needed. DH is NOT a medial doctor he works on drugs for eye disease (retnal eye disease).
/hillary

just re-read your post beth -- the strong history of type 2 db is a factor and DH works on diabetic eye disease and would suggest the photo. Sorry!
/hillary

I get it done every year. The extra $25 or so is worth it to me to avoid having my eyes dilated. I also apparently have histoplasmosis (a type of parasite that's pretty common in the midwest) that the optometrist likes to keep an eye on.

I have done this at my last appts, I also don't pay that much and my dr. recommends it because I am severely near-sighted which puts me at risk for some complications. I do think it is kind of cool.

Is this an option over having the drops that mean you're very sensitive to sunlight afterwards???

I might opt for this if it was offered, as I can't drive safely after the drops, and it's very difficult to schedule appt. so DH can be there to drive...

Beth - ask how much extra for the exam. How often do you need to do it etc.

Thanks all. I ended up doing it. I didn't realize that it would keep me from having to get my eyes dilated, which would almost be worth the $27 alone. :ROTFLMAO:

The tech said my pressures are a little high and so they would highly recommend it. But it is very much a "do you want fries with that" kind of office, so I am glad that there is some consensus for doing it.

I can't remember how much more I paid to have it done 3 yrs ago when I started with a new eye doc, but according to my doc, once he circled various "spots to watch" on my retinas, my vision insurance covers the recheck.

ITA agree that it as long as they are not charging much extra, it is totally worth not getting those eyes dilated!