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Where to Get Retinal Imaging Done Before Treatment: OCT, Fundus Photos and Visual Field Tests - Eye Stem Cell Center
November 05, 2026/ 0 comment
Where to Get Retinal Imaging Done Before Treatment: OCT, Fundus Photos and Visual Field Tests
Last updated: 4 November 2026 | Author: Prashant Tyagi (Stem Cell Biotechnology Specialist, 10+ years) and Dr. Pallavee Senior Consultant | Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon 22+ Years Experience
Whether you are seeking a second opinion, considering a clinical trial or simply tracking an eye condition, up-to-date retinal imaging is the foundation. Specialists cannot judge what is happening in the retina or optic nerve from symptoms alone. This guide explains the main tests, where to get them in India, and how to collect good-quality results before any treatment decision.
At a glance
- The core tests are OCT, fundus photographs and visual field testing, sometimes with autofluorescence, ERG or microperimetry
- Tests are done at eye hospitals, retina clinics and some diagnostic centres, usually on referral from an ophthalmologist
- Ask for the images and raw data as well as the report
- Do the follow-up tests on the same type of machine whenever possible, so results can be compared
- Imaging is needed to find out whether any treatment, including research treatment, is suitable, and it does not by itself promise improvement
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Quick Navigation
- Why imaging comes first
- The main tests explained
- Where to get these tests in India
- How to prepare for the appointment
- Getting good copies of your results
- How to share your results for an opinion
- Checklist
- Frequently asked questions
Why Imaging Comes First
Imaging gives an objective baseline of how your retina and optic nerve look today. It helps doctors confirm the diagnosis, stage the disease, decide whether established treatment is needed, check whether you meet the criteria for a clinical trial, and measure change over time. For any experimental treatment, a proper baseline is essential, because without it nobody can honestly say whether anything has changed.
The Main Tests Explained
| Test | What it shows | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| OCT (optical coherence tomography) | Cross-section images of the retina and optic nerve layers, including thickness | Quick, painless, no contact with the eye |
| Fundus photographs | Colour pictures of the back of the eye | Quick; dilating drops may be used |
| Fundus autofluorescence | Shows the health of the retinal pigment layer | Quick and painless |
| Visual field test | Maps your side and central vision, and blind spots | Several minutes per eye; needs concentration |
| Fluorescein angiography | Shows blood vessel leakage using dye injected into a vein | Done in selected cases; ask about allergies |
| Electroretinogram (ERG) | Measures electrical response of the retina | Done in specialist centres for inherited retinal disease |
| Microperimetry | Detailed map of central retinal sensitivity | Available in some centres |
Not every person needs every test. Your ophthalmologist chooses based on your condition. See our pages on retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and optic nerve atrophy for the tests most relevant to each.
Where to Get These Tests in India
- Tertiary eye hospitals and eye institutes usually have OCT, photography, visual field and, in some, ERG and microperimetry under one roof. Examples include AIIMS in Delhi, L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai and the Aravind Eye Hospitals. This is not a ranking or endorsement, and services differ by location.
- Medical college hospitals and government eye departments may offer these tests at lower cost, sometimes with waiting times.
- Private retina clinics and eye centres often provide OCT and photography on the same day.
- Diagnostic centres offer some tests, but check that an ophthalmologist reports them, because imaging needs expert interpretation.
When calling, ask: Which tests do you offer? Do I need a referral or prior appointment? Do I need dilation, and should someone accompany me? Will I receive digital images as well as a printed report?
How to Prepare for the Appointment
- Bring your glasses, previous reports and a list of medicines and allergies
- Expect dilating drops to blur near vision for a few hours, so bring someone and avoid driving afterwards
- Tell the staff if you have a known allergy before any dye test
- Rest your eyes, and for the visual field test, wear your usual reading glasses if advised
- Ask how long the whole visit will take, as several tests can take half a day
Getting Good Copies of Your Results
- Ask for both the printed report and the digital files, on a CD, pen drive or secure download
- Make sure each file shows your name, the date, the eye (right or left) and the machine type
- For OCT and visual field tests, ask for the full printout, including reliability indicators, rather than only a summary
- Keep tests together in one folder, in date order
- Repeat tests at the same centre or on the same machine type where possible, because values from different machines are not always comparable
How to Share Your Results for an Opinion
Remote review is often the best first step, before any travel. Upload your reports and images through our report upload page, or reach out through our contact page. International patients can read our medical tourism guide. An honest opinion may tell you that established care is enough, or that a registered trial is the only responsible route.
Checklist
- Do I have an up-to-date OCT, fundus photographs and visual field results?
- Do I have both reports and digital images?
- Is every file labelled with name, date and eye?
- Have I asked my own ophthalmologist which extra tests I need?
- Have I listed my medicines, allergies and previous treatments?
- Am I clear that imaging guides decisions but does not guarantee improvement?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need all of these tests?
No. Your ophthalmologist chooses based on your condition and stage.
Are these tests painful?
OCT, photographs and visual fields are painless. Dilating drops sting briefly, and a dye test involves an injection.
How long are the results valid?
Many centres prefer tests from the last few months. Ask whoever will review them.
Can I use tests done at different hospitals?
Yes, but comparing numbers across different machines can be misleading. Keep follow-up on the same type of machine where possible.
Does a scan tell me if stem cell treatment will work?
No. Imaging helps assess suitability and measure change, but stem cell treatments for most eye conditions remain investigational.
Can I send my reports before travelling?
Yes, and we recommend a remote review first.
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More Official Sources
- National Eye Institute (NEI), NIH
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI)
- ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH)
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
