I went earlier to see an optometrist and he did a visual analysis as well as an OCT scan. Both exams came up clear, but this doesn't surprise me as retinal damage (depending on the severity) won't always appear on an OCT and especially a visual exam.

I do have an ophthalmologist appointment on the 23rd, so hopefully I can gain more insight from that and the condition of my retina. If not, maybe I can get a referral to a retina specialist.

Luckily the damage doesn't seem too bad, but it is absolutely noticeable (at times more than others.) The reason I'm fairy certain the damage is present, and is from welding without eye protection, is because I seem to have a subtle scotoma in my central vision. It isn't noticeable usually, but it's worst in low light and especially when I repeatedly blink. All things considered, it does seem to be slight macular damage, and I would at least like to understand to what extent and whether further recovery is possible. Hopefully those questions will be answered with time.