Millions of Indians suffer from nerve-related vision problems, also known as neuro-ophthalmology vision disorders, and remain undiagnosed due to lack of specialist care. These disorders are neurological conditions that can affect your sight and as a result, your daily life. They can occur due to disorders in the central nervous system (brain and spine), eye movement and abnormalities in the pupil.
The function of the optic nerve is to relay information from the eye to the brain that interprets and processes the details. Neuro-ophthalmic disorders like giant cell arteritis, thyroid eye disease, pituitary apoplexy, multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, diplopia, and many others affect these visual pathways. Treatment options for these problems vary depending on the specific disorder, and neuro- ophthalmologists can help alleviate or treat the condition.
Scarcity of Specialists: Neuro-ophthalmology Vision Disorders
As a sub-specialty, neuro-ophthalmology is highly under-represented in India. One reason could be the popularity of cornea, refractive surgery or even vitreoretinal surgery among ophthalmologists. Cataract surgery also features heavily in residency training, as the annual incidence of cataract blindness is about 3.8 million in India. Consequently, the importance of training in a subspecialty like neuro-ophthalmology is overlooked in the country. Lack of resources, proper guidance, and neuro-imaging facilities adds to the problem. Training programs have been initiated by world-class eye-care centres to address these gaps in the sub-specialty. However, online training can come as a much-needed resource for those doctors that want to specialize in neuro- ophthalmology and treat patients afflicted by nerve related vision problems.
Neuro-ophthalmology as a Career
Many patients that suffer from Neuro-ophthalmology Vision disorders are left undiagnosed due to a gap in knowledge among ophthalmologists. In neurology and neurosurgery, there is a disparity in knowledge about neuro-ophthalmology and specialists must be equipped with necessary tools to bridge this gap. Clearly, demand exceeds the supply in this sub-specialty, and it is imperative that there are trained neuro-ophthalmologists that can identify, diagnose and treat these conditions in a timely manner.
Why This Course?
Eye-care providers may often come across patients with neuro-ophthalmic disorders. To treat these disorders, specialists must first be able to recognize them, diagnose them and treat them accordingly. The Neuro-Ophthalmology Essentials course is designed to facilitate competence in the neuro-ophthalmic examination, diagnosis, and management of common neuro-ophthalmic conditions.
Check out course – Neuro-Ophthalmology Essentials
