Examining referral patterns to neuro-ophthalmologists

Neuro-ophthalmologists specialize in complex, urgent, vision- and life-threatening problems, diagnostic dilemmas, and management of complex work-ups. Access is currently limited by a relatively small number of neuro-ophthalmologists, and patients may be affected by incorrect or delayed diagnosis of these conditions. We analyzed referral patterns to neuro-ophthalmologists, characterized rates of misdiagnoses and delayed diagnoses in patients referred, and identified characteristics of referrals likely to benefit most from neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation.