Why Blue Fin Vision® Performs an OCT Scan Before Every YAG Capsulotomy – And Why We Never Charge for It

Nov 27, 2025 | Syndication Cloud

Performs an OCT Scan Before Every YAG CapsulotomyPhoto from Pexels

Originally Posted On: https://bluefinvision.com/blog/why-blue-fin-vision-performs-an-oct-scan-before-every-yag-capsulotomy-and-why-we-never-charge-for-it/

 

At Blue Fin Vision®, our approach to eye care is built on a simple principle:

Safety first, clarity always.

Whether you originally had your cataract surgery with us or elsewhere, every patient attending for a YAG capsulotomy undergoes an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan of the retina before any laser treatment.

This scan is performed routinely, for every patient, and we never charge for it.

Many clinics treat YAG capsulotomy as a quick, straightforward laser appointment.

We deliberately do not – because restoring vision safely requires precision, thoroughness and a commitment to doing the right thing, not the fastest thing.

Below is why this policy exists, how it protects patients, and why it represents the premium care philosophy at Blue Fin Vision®.

1. Blurred vision after cataract surgery is not always caused by PCO

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is common – and easily treated with a YAG laser – but it is not the only cause of reduced vision.

Other causes include:

  • Cystoid macular oedema (CME)
  • Retinal vein occlusion
  • Epiretinal membrane
  • Macular degeneration
  • Vitreomacular traction
  • Retinal tears
  • Retinal detachment
  • Post-operative inflammation
  • Pre-existing macular disease

A YAG laser will not improve these conditions.

Performing one without confirming the true diagnosis risks:

  • delaying urgent treatment
  • worsening underlying pathology
  • creating unnecessary anxiety
  • leading to the belief that “the YAG made things worse”

An OCT scan is the only reliable way to differentiate PCO from deeper retinal problems.

2. OCT confirms the diagnosis, ensuring the YAG laser is the correct treatment

OCT allows us to examine:

  • the macula
  • retinal layers
  • vitreomacular interface
  • subretinal fluid
  • oedema
  • early tears or detachments

With this information, we can confidently say:

“Your blurred vision is due to PCO – and a YAG laser will safely restore clarity.”

Or equally:

“A YAG will not help. The underlying issue needs a different, sight-saving treatment.”

This is the difference between routine laser clinics and surgeon-led, precision-led medicine.

3. OCT prevents harm and protects vision – a real example: detecting a retinal detachment

Recently, a patient attended for what he believed would be a routine YAG capsulotomy.

His symptoms were consistent with PCO.

But our OCT scan revealed a retinal detachment, not capsular opacification.

We cancelled the planned YAG immediately and arranged same-day retinal detachment repair with a trusted vitreoretinal colleague.

The patient received urgent, sight-saving surgery that afternoon.

Had the YAG been performed:

  • the detachment may have progressed
  • treatment would have been delayed
  • vision could have been permanently affected
  • the patient would almost certainly have believed the YAG “caused” the problem

The OCT scan prevented irreversible harm – this is exactly why our protocol exists.

4. Immediate treatment when OCT detects macular oedema

In other cases, OCT has revealed macular oedema, often secondary to:

  • retinal vein occlusion
  • post-operative inflammation
  • subtle retinal vascular compromise

Because Blue Fin Vision® maintains a full supply of intravitreal medications on-site, we are often able to provide same-day intravitreal treatment when clinically indicated.

This means:

  • the real cause of blurred vision is identified
  • the patient is treated immediately
  • vision-threatening delay is avoided
  • unnecessary YAG laser is prevented
  • patients experience complete, joined-up care within a single visit

This capability is extremely rare in private clinics, and it transforms outcomes.

5. We never charge for the OCT – because essential safety should never be optional

Some clinics charge extra for OCT scanning before YAG.

We believe this is wrong.

At Blue Fin Vision®:

  • The OCT scan is automatic
  • It is mandatory for safety
  • It is never charged
  • It is performed for all patients – including external referrals

Premium care is not defined by décor or branding.

It is defined by clinical thoroughness, diagnostic accuracy, and uncompromising safety.

Charging for essential safety checks contradicts our ethos – so we never will.

6. Benefits for patients and surgeons – this policy protects both sides

Benefits for patients

  • accurate diagnosis
  • personalised treatment
  • avoidance of unnecessary YAG
  • detection of hidden retinal disease
  • immediate management of urgent conditions
  • peace of mind
  • a sense of being genuinely cared for
  • confidence in the treatment plan

Benefits for the clinic/surgeon

  • correct clinical indication
  • lower medico-legal exposure
  • superior outcomes
  • fewer complications
  • better patient satisfaction
  • high trust and reputation
  • seamless referral pathways
  • consistent clinical excellence

This is what premium ophthalmology looks like when done properly.

7. External YAG referrals are increasing, and the OCT is central to our approach

More patients now seek YAG at Blue Fin Vision® after having their cataract surgery elsewhere.

These patients often arrive:

  • unsure of the cause of their blurred vision
  • unable to get clear answers
  • anxious about their symptoms
  • looking for a second opinion

The free OCT provides:

  • certainty
  • clarity
  • reassurance
  • a safe pathway
  • a correct diagnosis
  • appropriate treatment, whether that is YAG, intravitreal therapy, or urgent retina care

It showcases the thorough, surgeon-led, safety-first culture that defines our service.

8. And yes, we celebrate your restored vision

At Blue Fin Vision®, the journey doesn’t end when the laser is complete.

Every YAG capsulotomy patient leaves with:

a complimentary bottle of champagne

Why?

Because the return of clear vision is not a small event – for many, it is transformative.

It restores confidence, independence, and quality of life.

We choose to acknowledge that moment.

It reflects our belief that:

  • eyesight matters
  • clarity is worth celebrating
  • premium care is about the entire experience

This is the Blue Fin Vision® difference.

Conclusion: OCT before YAG is not an extra – it is our standard of care

Blue Fin Vision® performs an OCT scan before every YAG capsulotomy because:

  • Patient safety is non-negotiable
  • PCO is not always the cause of blurred vision
  • OCT detects macular and retinal disease
  • It prevents unnecessary or harmful procedures
  • We can treat macular oedema immediately when needed
  • We can diagnose emergencies like retinal detachment and act rapidly
  • Essential safety should never be charged
  • We welcome external referrals and provide certainty
  • We deliver a premium, surgeon-led, personalised experience
  • And because restored vision deserves to be celebrated

Your eyesight is precious.

Our job is to protect it – and restore clarity safely, thoroughly, and with care.