Neuro-ophthalmology Services

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Section at the Emory Department of Ophthalmology focuses on the health and functioning of the brain and the eyes. In particular, we are experts on the optic nerve - a critical communication pathway between the eyes and the brain. Our researchers, residents, fellows and faculty bring together resources from multiple disciplines to address vision impairments that are caused or exacerbated by brain diseases and disorders, including thyroid eye disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and  Parkinson's disease.

What should I know about my neuro-ophthalmology issues?

Any number of vision or neurological problems may prompt you to visit our Neuro-ophthalmology Section.  When you do, our clinicians will take the time to review the unique reasons for your visit. Some find it helpful to read up on common neuro-ophthalmic conditions prior to their visit. For those patients, we recommend the patient fact sheets published by the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS). Regardless of whether you use this resource, we recommend you write down any specific questions you have and bring them to your scheduled appointment.

How should I prepare for my neuro-ophthalmology visit at Emory Eye Center?

You can plan to have a more relaxed visit by reviewing the following steps prior to your appointment:

• Ideally, we will already have your basic medical profile registered with us through My Chart, Emory Healthcare’s online patient charting system. Your MyChart account is set up when you make your first appointment with Emory Eye Center. If you are not certain, please call 404.778.2020.
• If you are being referred from a physician outside Emory Healthcare, make sure your provider fills out a Neuro-Ophthalmology Referral form and faxes it to 404.778.4849.
• If you have them in your possession, bring any written records from previous eye or neurologic examinations that were performed outside Emory. This includes copies of CT scans or MRI scans that have been loaded onto a CD.
• If you have noticed any external changes in your eyes or eyelids, please bring photographs that show what your eyes looked like before those changes occurred.
• Bring your eyeglasses and a list of any medications you are currently taking.
• Double-check the location, driving directions, and parking for the clinic you have chosen.

What will my neuro-ophthalmology evaluation at Emory involve?

• The first thing it involves is time. Plan to spend (4) hours at your clinic appointment. We might be able to get you out earlier, but this will allow for any unforeseen emergency cases that cannot be scheduled ahead of time. We will always do our best to address those emergencies while avoiding delays for scheduled patients.
• The four-hour window gives us time to dilate eyes, run all appropriate tests, and talk with you about your concerns. Most patients arrange to have someone drive them home from their eye exam, as routine dilation temporarily impedes vision.
• Once your eyes have been dilated, we might identify the need for additional tests which will be ordered at that time. You will then be seen and examined by your scheduled neuro-ophthalmic specialist, who will spend time privately addressing your questions or concerns.

Whom will I see at my appointment?

• Your clinic visit will begin with a trained ophthalmic technician, resident, or fellow who will dilate your eyes, and perform a basic examination. Fellows are fully licensed ophthalmologists or neurologists who are being trained by us to practice in neuro-ophthalmology.
• Your specialty consultation will be conducted by one of the five neuro-ophthalmologists on our team: Dr. Nancy J. Newman, Dr. Michael Dattilo, Dr. Sachin Kedar, Dr. Valerie Biousse or Dr. Jason Peragallo.