Appointments will either be made by your requesting clinician or from the Medical Photography department directly.
In the Studio
Please bring your medical photography request card with you, if you have been given one.
The photographer will check your personal details, explain what will happen and what photographs need to be taken. They will then check that you are happy to proceed and ask you to sign the consent form if the clinician has not already completed this with you.
Depending on what photographs have been requested, you may be asked to remove pieces of clothing, jewellery and make-up. We might also need to use hairbands or hairgrips to see the area of interest clearly.
There is a bright flash from the photographic studio lights when the pictures are taken. The photographer will warn you when this is going to happen, but if you are sensitive to light, please let the photographer know.
The length of your studio appointment will depend on the photographs that have been requested.
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative with you for support. Alternatively, a chaperone can be provided upon request. If possible, please let us know in advance so that this can be arranged. However, we are happy to reschedule appointments if a chaperone is not available on the day.
Orthodontic and Maxillofacial
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment will usually be asked to have photographs taken at intervals during their journey (typically beginning, middle and end).
Mirrors and retractors are used inside the mouth; if you feel uncomfortable at any point, please let the photographer know.
More information can be found in the Medical Photography for Orthodontics leaflet.
Body mapping for mole monitoring and phototherapy patients
Patients with multiple and diverse moles (naevi) or widespread skin conditions may be requested to have body mapping photographs taken. This is an extensive set of photographs to record the whole body, enabling the clinician and/or patient to monitor any changes taking place over time or treatment efficacy.
Please allow up to 45 minutes for your appointment.
Dermatoscopy
The clinician may request additional photographs of certain moles or skin lesions with a specialist piece of equipment, called a dermatoscope. This attaches to the camera and is then placed on top of the lesion (touching the skin), acting as a magnifying glass and giving more detail to the clinician. Ultrasound gel will likely be used with this type of imaging.
On the ward/in clinic
If you are unable to attend the medical photography studio, the photographer will visit you on the ward or in clinic. The photographer will explain which views have been requested and what will happen during photography, before checking you are happy to proceed.
The photographer will then ask you to sign the consent form if your clinician has not already completed this with you. If you are unable to consent and the photographs are deemed in your best interests, they can still be taken for your medical records, following your clinician’s authorisation.
You may be required to remove pieces of clothing, jewellery and make-up. Nursing staff will usually accompany the photographer to assist with positioning and to remove dressings if required.
Ophthalmology outpatients
Ophthalmic imaging is primarily undertaken within the ophthalmology outpatient departments at Bexhill and Eastbourne. The following services are provided to photograph the face and front and back of the eye:
Dilating drops are required for the following (please do not drive to your appointment)
- Fundus photography
- Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
- Hydroxychloroquine screening
Dilating drops not required
- Anterior segment photography (front of the eye)
- Facial photography
