OPTOM 373Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease and Management

This course provides an in-depth look into neuro-optometric principles, focusing on the visual and functional impacts of neurological injuries and diseases. Students will explore the visual pathways, including the retinotectal pathway and the roles of the superior colliculus and pulvinar nucleus, while gaining insight into how focal and ambient visual processing interact. The course covers symptoms associated with neurological trauma, such as diplopia, tracking issues, focusing problems, glare sensitivity, eyestrain, balance challenges, and posture impairments, alongside neuro-optometric rehabilitation techniques for addressing these symptoms. Students will examine conditions like Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome, along with methods for testing and treatment. Topics also include the visual consequences of cranial nerve and cavernous sinus diseases, pupillary anomalies, ocular motility dysfunction, and eyelid involvement in neuro-ocular disease. Critical skills for diagnosing and managing optic disc edema, transient vision loss, and visual field loss will be emphasized. Upon completion, students will be equipped with the skills to assess and rehabilitate visual processing and binocular function impairments, balance/posture issues, and other vision-related challenges stemming from neurological events.