The Neuro-ophthalmology and Neurovestibular Programs

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Program, located at the Rockyview General Hospital Eye Clinic, focuses on disorders of vision and eye movement caused by neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumour and stroke. The Neurovestibular Program, located at South Health Campus, focuses on vertigo and dizziness. Both programs provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment, including lab testing and physical and occupational therapy.

Highlights

In the past year, there were over 2,800 visits to the Neuro-Ophthalmology and Neurovestibular Clinics. Most patients in the Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic are referred by specialists in ophthalmology, neurology or neurosurgery. The Neurovestibular Program tested over 2,000 patients in the vestibular laboratory and provided over 1,300 vestibular physiotherapy visits.

Education

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Program trains specialty residents learning to be neurologists or ophthalmologists. The Neurovestibular Program trains neurology and otolaryngology residents. Both programs hold regular educational rounds, provide learner evaluations, and teach medical students and Allied Health staff.

Research

Projects in Neuro-Ophthalmology include studies of the rehabilitation of homonymous hemianopia; the roles of hormones, vitamin D and novel therapies in optic neuritis; structural changes related to pituitary tumours, pregnancy and cardiovascular health; and the role of optical coherence tomography in monitoring patients with multiple sclerosis or tumours affecting the optic nerves or chiasm. Projects in the Neurovestibular Program include the study of a prototype rotary chair in the diagnosis of vestibular dysfunction and the role of physiotherapy in vestibular migraine.

Members

Medical Staff: Dr. William Fletcher, Dr. Fiona Costello, Dr. Suresh Subramaniam, Dr. Beth Lange (Otolaryngology), Dr. Euna Hwang (Otolaryngology)

Allied Health and Administrative Staff: 
Neuro-Ophthalmology Program – Cindy Koberlenz-Slade, Tracy Ducharme.

Neurovestibular Program - Melanie Oszust, Gina Quinn, Michelle Pushka, Jacqueline Townsend, Cristiane Yamabayashi.