Optometry Acquires Advanced OCT Machine
The state-of-the-art OCT machine examines the inner structure of the eye, allowing for advanced monitoring and early detection of diseases
A new collaboration between Bar-Ilan University's School of Optometry and Vision Science and the Association for the Blind and Prevention of Blindness will help visually impaired individuals improve their chances of preventing blindness.
Generous funding from the Association enabled Bar-Ilan to purchase a state-of-the-art optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine. Only a handful of OCT machines are available in Israel and they are primarily found in large hospitals.
OCT is a non-invasive medical imaging device that examines the inner structure of the eye, including the cornea, retina, and optic nerve. This innovative imaging technology enables doctors to diagnose diseases before there are any clinical manifestations, greatly enhancing the chances of preserving patients' vision and maintaining their quality of life. The examination, which is entirely safe, painless, and without radiation, does not require any preparation from the patient.
The examinations will be administered by Bar-Ilan's School of Optometry and Vision Science and will help significantly shorten wait times for appointments at hospitals and medical facilities. Patients will be able to undergo the examination for free and receive the relevant vision repair accessories at a reduced cost.
The Association for the Blind and Prevention of Blindness has been active in Israel since the 1950s. In addition to donating the OCT machine, the Association also sponsors 26 days of operating expenses for the mobile clinic of the School of Optometry and Vision Science. The mobile clinic travels to cities in the periphery and provides free services to visually impaired individuals.