Neuro-Ophthalmology

Health care disparities affect the care of patients with neurological-related visual diseases. These diseases can impair visual function and lead to disability. A standardized approach to recognize disparities, solve inequities, and sustain a culture where all patients are provided with appropriate care is of vital importance. The first step in this approach may be to identify the social determinants of health (SDOH) specific for patients. The second step is to find solutions that will better address the specific SDOH affecting care delivery and treatment outcomes. Creating a context for effective intervention for patient adherence, promoting behavior change, quality improvement through a multidisciplinary care management model, community engagement, and other areas of focus may help mitigate health inequities found in patients with neuro-ophthalmological disease(s). In addition, neuro-ophthalmologists are in high demand, yet in short supply which negatively impacts the achievement of neuro-ophthalmologic care equity throughout the United States. Addressing this access need is equally important to help achieve equity in the practice of neuro-ophthalmology. This chapter provides a case-based real-world example of a neuro-ophthalmologic patient and begins to lay the foundation in which clinicians, researchers, policy makers, and the community can learn SDOH that may be applicable to neuro-ophthalmology cases. Authors also suggest other potential solutions for equity in the practice of neuro-ophthalmology.