Neuro-ophthalmic Consultants Northwest is pleased to announce the establishment of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Eye Clinic. The MS Eye Clinic at NOCNW was developed for the comprehensive evaluation of the visual health of people with multiple sclerosis. The following are brief answers to common questions patients may have about this unique new service for Northwest MS patients.

Who will be performing the evaluation?
Why do I need an MS Eye Evaluation rather than just a regular eye examination?
What tests will likely be performed during my visit?
How do I schedule an appointment for an MS Eye Examination?

Who will be performing the evaluation?

Providers of the MS Eye Center are Steven R. Hamilton, M.D. and Eugene F. May, M.D.  both nationally known neuro-ophthalmologists.  They are neurologists who are specially trained to assess the visual problems faced by people with MS. Drs. Hamilton and May have been involved in numerous clinical studies in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Why do I need an MS Eye Evaluation rather than just a regular eye examination?

Visual symptoms are very common in MS.  People with MS can develop blindness due to optic nerve or brain visual pathway disease, double vision, or unsteady vision.  A number of different tests have been developed to best assess these specific types of visual problems.  These tests will be performed as a comprehensive battery to evaluate the patient’s vision, optic nerve function, eye movements, and gaze holding abilities.  The results of these tests will document the patient’s neurologic visual function at the time of the exam, and can be used as a basis of comparison at the time of a future exam, if there is a concern that  vision may be worsening due to MS.  In addition, various treatment options may be suggested to improve the patient’s vision.  These highly specialized neurological evaluations are in addition to the routine eye care that you will receive with your regular ophthalmologist.

What tests will likely be performed during my visit?

During a visit to the MS Eye Clinic, the patient’s vision will be checked using several different vision charts.  Color vision will also be evaluated.  Peripheral and central vision will be checked on a visual field testing machine, which takes about 15 minutes.  The health of the optic nerves will be evaluated using a new technique called optical coherence tomography (OCT).  This is no more complicated than having a photograph taken of the back of your eye.  All of these are painless and safe procedures. Finally, one of the doctors will perform a comprehensive eye examination.  The pupils will probably have to be dilated for a complete exam.  Once all of the information is gathered, the doctor will go over all of the information with the patient, explaining how MS is affecting the vision, and discussing if any treatment is advised. 

How do I schedule an appointment for an MS Eye Examination?

For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the office by calling 206-386-2700.  It is helpful to the physicians to have the patient request that the latest chart note from an eye care provider, a neurologist, and a recent MRI report be faxed in advance of the visit to 206-386-2703.