The Benefits of Retinal Photography

by | May 1, 2017 | Eye Health News, Eyecare Technology | 0 comments

a retinal photograph-tatum eyecare in phoenix

Digital Retinal Photography is Now at Tatum Eyecare!

Digital Retinal Photography is a very effective way to photograph of the interior surface of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve and macula. As one of the newest innovations in the eye health care industry, digital retinal photography helps optometrists, ophthalmologists and other trained medical professionals diagnose eye disorders and diseases, as well as monitor disease progression with greater accuracy than ever before.

Being one of the newer kids on the block, digital retinal photography is lauded by some people, while other people remain skeptical. At Tatum EyeCare, we understand digital retinal photography is a smart choice for diagnostic and preventative purposes regardless of any existing eye disorders and diseases you have, or that you might knowingly be at risk for. Why do we feel this way? Well, if you keep reading we will tell you!

What Eye Disorders and Diseases Are Detected?

Some of the eye disorders and diseases digital retinal imaging can detect include:

  • Macular Degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Retinal Tears or Detachments
  • Occlusion
  • Even Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

The pictures we take help us assess the health of your retina, and help us to detect and manage the aforementioned eye disorders and diseases. Finding retinal disorders as early as possible is critical for preventing serious disease progression and even vision loss.

In addition to helping detect eye disorders and diseases early, digital retinal photography provides a permanent historical record of changes in your eye. Images can be compared side-by-side, year after year, to discover even subtle changes that may adversely affect your health.

Digital Retinal Imaging  vs Dilation

There is still some debate about Digital Retinal Imaging vs Dilation. Let’s take a moment to discuss the benefits of digital retinal imaging vs. dilation. Some of them include:

  • Expediency. It takes us seconds to take a retinal image vs 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete the dilation process
  • Comfort. Taking a retinal image is painless vs dilation, which is notoriously uncomfortable and has effects lasting several hours after the drops are placed in each eye
  • Coverage. This is one of the biggest benefits of digital retinal imaging vs dilation. Dilation only lets us see about 15% of your eye, while digital retinal photography increases that to 95%!

As you can see, the digital retinal imaging vs dilation debate is not really a debate at all!

Is Taking a Retina Image Safe?

Yes it is. Taking a retina image is very safe. In fact, the only potential complaints we ever get when we take a retinal image are about the technology itself…. as patients have to lean in and keep their eyes close to the imaging machine for about 30 seconds. Contrast this with eye drops that irritate your senses while blurring your vision for hours, and a retina image seems like the much better choice of the two options!

A Digital Retinal Scan Educates Everyone

Finally, a digital retinal scan provides us with a host of images we can review together with you. As a result, we can point out the various structures of the retina and explain treatment options for any conditions revealed by the pictures. We believe the more you know about eye disorders and diseases, the more likely you will be to understand and follow an eye doctor’s recommendations for treatment and prevention. in this way, a digital retinal scan is an educative tool we can explore together that will help increase your education, awareness and active investment in the longevity of your healthy sense of sight.

The Best Optometrists in North Phoenix

When you choose Tatum EyeCare for you vision health and fashion needs, you are choosing optometrists in North Phoenix who are invested in our clients and community. We are happy to answer any other questions you have about retinal imaging, or to schedule your appointment with one of our optometrists today. We’ve proudly served the Valley of the Sun for over 20 years. Stop in to view our extensive eyewear collection, and see for yourself how Tatum EyeCare reframes customer service and optical expertise for everyone!

Contact Tatum Eyecare

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry