Neuro-ophthamology

Curriculum      

1. Rotate six months on neuro-ophthalmology service (in conjunction with neuroradiology/SRS rotation.)
2. Attend once weekly clinics.
3. Periodic operating room cases.

Reading List/Supplimental Reading

• Walsh & Hoyt’s Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology:  The Essentials, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Miller, et al., Second Edition
• Wills Eye Manual, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Rhee, et al.
• Ophthalmology Clinical Signs and Differential Diagnosis, Kanski, et al

Goals and Objectives

The division of neuro-ophthalmology ,directed by Erik Happ, MD, serves as a mentor for outpatient and inpatient consultations and provides didactic sessions on the anatomy and physiology of the visual pathways and the interpretation of visual field examinations.  Operative experiences for intraorbital/intracranial lesions are gained through a team approach with the neuro-ophthalmologists and the neurosurgeons, especially with trans-cilliary orbital-frontal approaches.

Competencies

Medical Knowledge – At the end of this rotation, the resident will be able to:

• Acquire detailed knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy.
• Understand ophthalmic manifestations of neurologic disease.
• Understand emergency situations in neuro-ophthalmology and how they are handled.

Patient Care and Assessment – At the end of this rotation, the resident will be able to:

• Perform a detailed neuro-ophthalmologic exam under dilation, including sensory motor and fundus exam.
• Recognize important physiology and pathology of the eye.
• Gain familiarity with various ophthalmic surgical techniques and their relateion to neurosurgery.

Practice Based Learning: -  The resident will be able to:

• Develop the ability to learn from one’s own mistakes.
• Be given opportunities to reproduce exam skills on multiple patients.

Systems Based Practice -  The resident will be able to:

• Effectively utilize the resources available to make optimal health care decisions.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills – The resident will be able to:

• Effectively exchange information with patients, their families and other health professionals.
• Observe and participate in patient counseling for informed consent and various diagnosis/prognoses.

Professionalism – The resident will be able to:

• Demonstrate consistent adherence of ethical principles and sensitivity to all patients regardless of gender, age, culture, religion, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, beliefs, behaviors or disabilities.
• Develop a personal program of learning to foster continued professional growth and development with guidance from the teaching staff.

Evaluation         

At the end of this rotation, the Neuro-ophthalmology faculty will complete an evaluation form based on the goals and objectives outlined above.