- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: August 4, 2025
- Last Updated: July 30, 2025
Vision is your most precious sense, deserving only the best care. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, our top doctors and leading surgeons in London, Chelmsford, and Hatfield employ the latest technology and the highest standards in eye diagnostics to protect and enhance your sight. Among our cutting-edge eye assessments, the anterior segment OCT and vault scan eye test holds a central role in delivering tailor-made solutions to our patients.
Understanding the Technology: What is an Anterior Segment OCT?
The anterior segment OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is a sophisticated, non-invasive imaging technology for the front (anterior) structures of the eye. Unlike traditional eye tests which provide limited two-dimensional views, this advanced scan generates high-definition, cross-sectional images of your cornea, iris, anterior chamber, and lens. It employs light waves – akin to ultrasound, but with light rather than sound – capturing incredibly detailed layers invisible to the naked eye.
- Key Areas Visualised:
- Cornea
- Iris
- Anterior chamber
- Angle (the junction between cornea and iris)
- Crystalline and implanted lenses
What Does an Anterior Segment OCT Eye Test Show?
This test is a crucial component in the top-rated eye diagnostics repertoire at Blue Fin Vision®. An anterior segment OCT eye test reveals:
- Corneal thickness and shape
- Anterior chamber depth and angle measurements
- Precise lens positioning (natural or artificial)
- The presence of corneal diseases, scarring, or dystrophies
- Early signs of glaucoma or other structural abnormalities
These insights are crucial for vision correction surgery, cataract assessments, glaucoma management, and pre-operative screening for laser eye surgery or implantable contact lenses (ICLs).
What is a Vault Scan?
A vault scan is a specialised use of anterior segment OCT, measuring the “vault” – that is, the precise space between an implanted lens (such as an ICL) and the natural lens. This distance (the vault) is vital: a vault that is too low or too high can lead to complications, making this scan indispensable for post-surgical monitoring and ongoing eye care.
At Blue Fin Vision®, vault scans are routinely included in our eye assessments for patients with artificial lens implants, ensuring your eye health and visual performance remain optimal.
Why Do I Need an Anterior Segment OCT of My Eye?
You may require an anterior segment OCT for several critical reasons:
- Comprehensive Diagnosis: For unexplained symptoms such as blurred vision, discomfort, or changes detected in standard eye tests.
- Surgery Planning: Prior to procedures like LASIK, lens implantation, or corneal transplantation, ensuring safe and tailored outcomes.
- Post-Surgery Monitoring: Tracking healing and implant positions after surgery, especially following ICL or other intraocular lens implementations.
- Glaucoma Assessment: Analysing the anterior chamber angle, a key area affected in various forms of glaucoma.
- Corneal Disease Management: Detecting early abnormalities or progression of keratoconus and other corneal conditions.
Blue Fin Vision®’s top specialists use the anterior segment OCT to provide a reassuring, evidence-based path forward – whether you seek vision correction or simply clarity in your eye health journey.
What to Expect from an Anterior Segment OCT Eye Test
We understand that unfamiliar technology can cause uncertainty. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment at our Harley Street, Weymouth Street, Chelmsford, or Hatfield clinics:
- No discomfort: The scan is contactless. You will sit comfortably at the machine and look at a target light.
- Quick process: The test usually takes just a few minutes per eye.
- No drops required: Most patients don’t need dilating or anaesthetic eye drops.
- Immediate results: The images are available instantly for review with your consultant.
- Expert interpretation: Our top-rated eye diagnostics team will guide you through the results, explaining how this informs your bespoke care plan.
How Long Does an Anterior Segment OCT Eye Test Take?
The scan itself takes less than five minutes per eye. Including explanations and discussion of your results, the entire process – seamlessly integrated into your scheduled appointment – may take 15-20 minutes. Your comfort, understanding, and peace of mind are our priorities throughout.
What is an Anterior Segment OCT Test in Ophthalmology?
In the field of ophthalmology, the anterior segment OCT is regarded as one of the definitive eye assessments for evaluating the front structures of the eye. Its clinical importance includes:
- Differentiating subtle anatomical changes: Enabling earlier detection and treatment of eye diseases
- Guiding advanced eye surgery: Ensuring safe placement and sizing of implants for vision correction procedures
- Tracking disease progression: Allowing longitudinal follow-up with precise, comparable images
Our renowned surgeons rely on this advanced technology daily, ensuring every patient receives care rooted in the latest clinical evidence and delivered with compassion.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for Your Eye Tests?
- Expertise you can trust: Our highly qualified, leading surgeons and top doctors are respected throughout the UK for their clinical excellence and empathetic approach.
- State-of-the-art technology: We invest in the most advanced diagnostic equipment, offering comprehensive eye diagnostics for both routine and complex cases.
- Personalised care at every step: Our consultations are thorough, our explanations clear, and your treatment journey is fully tailored to your vision and lifestyle needs.
- Convenient locations: With clinics in London (Harley Street, Weymouth Street), Chelmsford, and Hatfield, world-class care is always close by.
- Positive outcomes: Thousands have entrusted their vision to Blue Fin Vision®, experiencing sharper, clearer sight.
Experience the Best in Vision Care
If you are seeking the very best in eye assessments, vision correction surgery, or ongoing eye health management, trust your sight to the expertise of Blue Fin Vision®. Whether you require an anterior segment OCT and vault scan, or simply want reassurance about your eye health, our friendly team is here for you in London, Chelmsford, and Hatfield.
Contact Blue Fin Vision® today to book your comprehensive eye assessment with our top specialists – and take the next step towards a clearer, brighter future for your vision.
Your sight deserves the highest standard of care. Rely on Blue Fin Vision® – where expertise, advanced technology, and compassion meet.
