Ophthalmic imaging is an integral part of the work of all ophthalmic departments. It allows the clinician to record the findings from clinical ocular examination in an objective, reproducible, transmissible and durable manner. Many ophthalmic imaging devices also facilitate identification of anatomical and disease features that are not readily visible with standard examination techniques, and enable sophisticated quantitative analyses. As a result, ophthalmic imaging is essential to the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of many ocular conditions. In addition, it plays a central role in ophthalmic disease screening, teaching, clinical trials and in virtual clinics and telemedicine.
Both the range and sophistication of ophthalmic imaging technologies have increased rapidly in recent years. This document provides an overview of the current state of commercially available ophthalmic imaging technologies and their clinical applications as things stand at the time of publication and readers should note this is a rapidly changing field. It also provides recommendations regarding minimum ophthalmic imaging requirements for hospital eye services. Finally, it touches on a number of important issues related to ophthalmic imaging, including information technology and information governance requirements, and the need for valid informed consent.