Question for doctors, especially optometrist/opthamologist - need some info pls

About 2 years ago I went for my normal eye exam, and the guy had a machine that took a digital image of the back of my eye. I had never had this test done before, and he noticed that the area where the vein/nerves connect looked abnormal, almost like it was the beginnings of glaucoma. He showed me how when the area in the center gets smaller it restricts blood flow or something, and over years it can cause a problem. He said that it progresses very slowly, and in my case because I am young (30's) it was most likely hereditary, but he recommended coming back in a couple of years and he can take a followup look and compare the images.

Well, my contact lens prescription ran out several months ago, and I just exhausted my supply of lenses, so, I called to make an appointment for an eye exam, and figured I may as well get the retinal photograph done too. The number I called redirected to another branch of the store (it was a Pearle Vision where the OD was located). The guy at the other store told me that the former guy is no longer in business/no longer practicing. I asked if he knew what happened to him, he said "oh he just doesn't practice anymore".

The new guy told me he can do all necessary tests, but when I mentioned the retinal thing, he said I'd have to go to another location that offers it. I said that's great, but it doesn't allow for any sort of comparison to my previous one.. and I've waited 2 years, so if I have a problem with glaucoma... well, I'd kind of like to know about it! The guy said the old images "should be in the national database" and the other store should have access to them.


How does all this work? If I get a test done at a docs office, is it really stored in a national database? Or is it a database for the chain of stores? As I understand, the OD's are independents leasing out space from the stores, so I'd doubt Pearle Vision has access to my pictures unless it is actually part of some national DB?

Also, is there any place to verify if the original OD is actually still practicing? The guy was urging me to come to get my test done with him, but of course he only gets paid if I do. For all I know, the original guy just moved to an indepedent practice and is no longer affiliated with Pearle Vision, and they didn't want to refer me away from them.

I really hate to have to go through all of this again from scratch with a new retinal image... but if the pics are gone, then I guess I will have to. If I do this again, it seems to me I should request a copy of the data that is being gathered - in digital form - because the last thing I need is 2 more years from now, the new place is also out of business and I'm starting over AGAIN.

Any ideas or recommendations on the best way to proceed?

EDIT: If it helps, the OD's name was Bao Che. If he is still in practice anywhere, I would prefer to go see him. He was pretty cool and I never felt rushed and he explained everything to me in detail. If anyone has any way to see if he's still around, I would love to know. He was formerly in Peabody, MA. There is a phone # for his office but that number is the one that redirects to another Pearle Vision store.