As a busy community-focused opticians, Lesley Cree Opticians has always balanced two priorities: delivering exceptional clinical care while keeping appointments efficient and stress-free for patients. Traditionally, detailed retinal imaging required multiple devices, longer appointments, and considerable coordination between staff and patients.
Our Lead optometrist and founder, Lesley Cree recognised an opportunity to streamline this process—reducing patient movement, enhancing diagnostic confidence, and improving workflow throughout the practice. The solution came in the form of the Optos Monaco, a state of the art imaging system that has since revolutionised both patient care and day-to-day operations.
What Makes the Optos Monaco Different?
The Optos Monaco uniquely combines Optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging with OCT scanning in a single device. This powerful combination delivers detailed insight into both the surface and deeper retinal layers, offering a level of clarity and coverage that traditional imaging simply cannot match.
Where standard methods capture around 15–20% of the retina at once, the Optomap captures over 80% in a single panoramic image. This wider field of view gives clinicians the opportunity to spot abnormalities—particularly in the peripheral retina—earlier and more reliably.
An OCT scan (Optical Coherence Tomography) looks for retinal changes under the surface layer (which we can’t see without a scan) to detect early changes at the macula and optic nerve.
With the Optos Monaco, clinicians can detect:
- Retinal holes, degeneration & tears
- Retinal melanomas, naevi & freckles
- Blood vessel abnormalities linked to diabetes, hypertension, and blood clots
- Early warning signs of retinal detachment
- Advanced monitoring of optic nerve layer for Glaucoma diagnosis
All of these conditions, when identified early, can prevent sight-threatening outcomes.
A Strategic Investment in Advanced Eye Care
In 2020, the Radcliffe practice invested in a brand-new laser Optos eye scanner—reinforcing Lesley Cree Opticians’ commitment to delivering leading-edge clinical care. Once incorporated into routine protocols, the device quickly demonstrated measurable benefits:
- Streamlined imaging appointments
- Reduced patient movement between diagnostic instruments
- Faster decision-making during assessments
- Enhanced confidence for both clinician and patient
Published data shows that the Optos technology can increase macular pathology detection rates by up to 30% compared to fundus imaging alone, supporting more accurate diagnoses and faster treatment pathways.
Improving Outcomes Through Early Detection: Real Patient Stories
Technology is most meaningful when it impacts real lives. Since adopting the Optos Monaco, the practice has seen numerous cases where early detection prevented serious complications.
One recent example
A patient contacted the practice urgently after noticing flashes of light and a new black floater—classic warning signs they had researched online and feared indicated a retinal detachment. The team arranged a same-day assessment using the Optomap scan to examine the peripheral retina.
The scan revealed a small retinal tear. Left untreated, it could have progressed into a full detachment, requiring extensive surgery and causing long-term visual impairment. Thanks to rapid detection, the patient was referred directly to eye casualty—armed with the scan images on their phone. They received same-day laser treatment, preventing what could have been a life-changing complication.
Stories like this have become increasingly common. As Lesley explains, “I wouldn’t like to work without it now.” The device has identified numerous retinal abnormalities, sometimes in patients who presented with no symptoms at all.
Future Focused Eye Care for Our Community
The Optos Monaco has not only enhanced clinical insight but empowered patients through clearer visuals and explanations during their appointments. Faster workflow and more comprehensive imaging mean each patient receives the highest standard of care—without needing to extend appointment times or compromise on detail.
Early detection remains key in preserving vision, especially as retinal diseases can progress silently. If you have concerns about your eye health—or simply want peace of mind—Lesley Cree Opticians encourages you to book an appointment at one of our practices.
Radcliffe: 0115 933 2999
Keyworth: 0115 937 5521
Ruddington: 0115 921 2992