Neuro-ophthalmology is an ophthalmic subspecialty that addresses the relationship between the eye and the brain, specifically disorders of the optic nerve (nerve that connects the eye to the brain), orbit (eye socket), and brain.

The SCEH team is highly experienced and trained in treating conditions that affect both brain (‘neuro’) and vision. Our ophthalmologists provide comprehensive clinical care to a broad spectrum of patients with vision problems due to inherited retinal diseases, optic nerve diseases, central nervous system disorders, ocular motility dysfunction (abnormal eye alignment or problems controlling eye movements), and pupillary abnormalities.

The neuro-ophthalmology facility at SCEH is equipped with all tests that are useful in diagnosis and monitoring of optic nerve disorders, including:

-Visual field examination
-Colour vision and contrast sensitivity testing
-Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography
-Electroretinography (ERG)
-Flash and pattern visual evoked potential (VEP)
-Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)

SCEH offers treatment as well as rehabilitative services for disorders of the optic nerve. The disorders are often associated with systemic problems, especially brain disorders. Some of the common neuro-ophthalmologic disorders are optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, optic nerve damage due to compressive lesions in the brain and neural pathways such as brain tumours, nutritional and hereditary optic neuropathies, swelling of the optic nerve, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, cranial neuropathies and optic nerve damage due to trauma. Some forms of squint which result from paralysis of the cranial nerves and lead to double vision also need examination by a neuro-ophthalmologist owing to the proximity of these nerves to the optic nerve and visual pathways.

The team works in close association with neuro-radiologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons to provide the best possible care to patients.