Medical illustration and photography

The Medical Illustration Department within Moorfields consists of eight experienced photographers, an audio visual technician, a departmental secretary and a clinical receptionist. The comprehensive skills of the individual mean that everyone has the versatility to perform the complete range of tasks required within the department

The department has a long standing reputation for providing the highest quality of service, and in order to maintain this standard, we are continually upgrading our imaging technology.

Diabetic screening service

In addition to routine clinical and non-clinical photography services, photographers provide a Diabetic Screening Service mainly in our Outreach Clinics. This is carried out under the supervision of a Consultant Ophthalmologist. Photographers are trained to analyse and interpret their own Diabetic Screening images with excellent outcome. Training is ongoing in the use and deployment of Ocular Coherent Tomography (OCT), Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and autofluorescene imaging for recording medical retinal disorders; extending the role of photographers even further.

Training

Continuing Professional Development, in line with the Trust's Clinical Governance Development plans, means that all photographers are required to attend once weekly lectures on all aspects of Ophthalmology, given by Clinicians and other professionals, in addition to attending seminars and workshops organised by the British Ophthalmic Photographic Association and the Royal Photographic Society. Photographers are encouraged to be registered with the National Board of Registration of Medical Illustrators.

Technology

Currently, the department is undergoing a complete refurbishment of Digital Angiography systems, which are being replaced with Topcon ' top of the range' IMAGEnet Digital Systems, capable of performing complex imaging tasks with maximum efficiency. When fully installed, it will be the largest image acquisition and review system of its kind in the UK. The new Digital Imaging Systems for fundus cameras and video slit lamp are a major force offering high-resolution monochrome and true colour imaging.

This new set up will consist of four Angiography systems and a slit lamp, and will be controlled by a central server, which will be accessible through twenty-five remote workstations situated throughout various clinics, including the laser suites. One of these complete systems will be situated in the John Saunders Suite, so that private patients can have all their investigations carried out on site. An additional complete acquisition system is to be installed in the Mobile Unit. The whole purpose of this major upgrade is to maintain the Trusts' commitment in the provision of an excellent service to the satisfaction of our patients.

This year, was also the second year of the five-year project for refurbishing the video facilities. New cameras were installed in a number of operating theatres, the installation of the computer based video edit suite was completed and broadcast quality video archive capability installed.

The evolving and expanding use of digital video with its variety of distribution methods can be well served by our new arrangements. So ends over 30 years of tape based video editing at Moorfields.