Pentacam Clinic

Your child has been referred to the Pentacam Clinic. We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have about their appointment. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your child's healthcare team.

What happens at the Pentacam Clinic?

At the clinic we will assess your child's vision, before taking a picture of their eye with the Pentacam. Your child will not have drops at this appointment. 

What is a Pentacam?

A Pentacam is a special camera that takes multiple photos of the front of the eye (anterior segment). It creates a 3D image, allowing us to check the shape and thickness of your child's cornea. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped part at the front of the eye.

What happens with the images?

The Corneal team will review the images, and decide whether your child needs:

• face-to-face follow-up in the Corneal team clinic

• repeated imaging for virtual consultant review (results will be sent by letter); or

• no further review.

The team will send you a letter in the next few weeks. The letter will explain your child's treatment plan.

Why is this needed?

We have decided to offer this service to children who have high levels of astigmatism (rugby ball shaped eyes) to provide baseline imaging of the shape of their eye(s). The baseline image is helpful in case a child returns to us for treatment later in life.

People with high levels of astigmatism may go on to develop a condition called Keratoconus. People with this condition have thin corneas, which can bulge. Keratoconus causes some distorted vision, but it is treatable with glasses and contact lenses. However, some patients may need an operation. We can use images taken with a Pentacam to detect this condition early.

Why are clinics only at Kent and Canterbury Hospital?

There is only one machine in the Trust, which is kept at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

What should I do if I need to cancel or rearrange my child’s appointment?

To cancel or rearrange your appointment, please phone 01227 868615.

References

• US OCULUS Pentacam

• Zhao SH, Berkawitz C, Laurenti K, et al. Evaluation of parameters for early detection of pediatric keratoconus. BMC Ophthalmology 2024; 24: Article number 43.

• Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Astigmatism.

• Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Keratoconus.

[Web sites last accessed 21st October 2025]

What do you think of this leaflet?

We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.

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If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.

• Patient Voice Team
  Telephone: 01227 868605
  Email