Neuro-ophthalmology Top 10

1. What is the underlying cause of optic nerve damage in optic neuropathies, such as anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, optic neuritis and other optic neuropathies?
2. What are the most effective treatments and rehabilitation for optic neuropathies, e.g. Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy?
3. Can vision loss due to optic nerve diseases such as giant cell arteritis, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, optic neuritis and optic atrophy, be restored, for example through gene therapy and stem cell treatment?
4. What rehabilitation or treatment methods are most effective for vision loss following brain damage due to stroke, brain injury, cerebral vision impairment, tumours and dementias?
5. What is the most effective way to assess vision in patients with neurological visual impairment i.e. stroke, dementia and cerebral/cortical visual impairment?
6. Can the early stages of optic neuropathy be detected?
7. How can optic neuropathies be prevented, for example anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, optic neuritis and other optic neuropathies?
8. Can treatments be developed for visual field and ocular motility manifestations following stroke?
9. How can electronic devices improve or restore vision for people with optic neuropathies?
10. Can an alternative or new treatment be developed that will treat the sight loss caused by giant cell arteritis?

The following questions were also discussed and ranked in order of priority at the workshop:

11. What causes vision loss in patients with dementia?
12. What is the relationship between visual impairment and dementia?
13. How can cerebral vision impairment in children be prevented?
14. Is there a relationship between acute onset ocular cranial nerve palsies due to underlying vascular disease and increasing levels of obesity and poor lifestyle for younger patients?