Neuro-Ophthalmology

Neuro-Ophthalmology Group photo, June 2024

Judith Brody (fellow), Edward Linton, Lindsay Chun (fellow), Randy Kardon, Adriana Rodriguez-Barrath, Edward Linton, Matthew Thurtell, Sophia Chung, and Michael Wall

When a patient has a disease or injury in the eyeball itself, an ophthalmologist can look at the cornea and the lens, or into the eye at the retina and see an abnormality inside the eye, but if the problem is behind the eye in the optic nerve or in some of the visual pathways in the brain - it is harder to be sure what is going on. So the general health of the whole person needs to be considered.

At the UIHC these patients are sent to the neuro-ophthalmologists, so they can use some of their special tests and special skills. A neuro-ophthalmologist can be an ophthalmologist or a neurologist by training. After taking a residency and becoming Board Certified in one of these two specialty areas, they take a fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology (1 or 2 years) before starting to practice neuro-ophthalmology.

Types of Patients seen in the Neuro-ophthalmology Clinic:

  • patients who suddenly lose part of their side vision;
  • patients who get double vision; patients with unequal pupils;
  • patients whose vision goes suddenly out of focus; patients with strokes;
  • patients with brain tumors;
  • and any other patients with unusual visual problems that are hard to sort out.

also see: Quick Information about the UI Healthcare Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic

Neuro-Ophthalmology Curriculum

Proposed by the Curriculum of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS)

NANOS Introduction


A. Anatomy and Physiology for the Neuro-Ophthalmologist


B. Ocular and Neurologic Evaluation


C. Neuro-Ophthalmic Symptoms and Signs


D. Disorders of the Afferent and Efferent Visual Pathways


E. Systemic, Neurologic, and Ophthalmic Disorders Commonly Associated with Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations


F. Procedures Commonly Performed/Obtained in Neuro-Ophthalmology

G. Patient's Counseling

H. Research, Administration, Education Resources

I. References