Welcome to the first issue of Clinical Insights in Eyecare for 2025. This issue includes 5 unique case reports, a clinically fascinating point-counterpoint discussion, and multiple journal scans.
Our featured case report in this issue is “Vogt-Koyanagi Harada Disease Presenting in a Postpartum Female,” by Shora Ansari, OD, MS, FAAO, and David Sendrowski, OD, FAAO. The authors note that estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin hormone levels, along with endogenous corticosteroid production, before and after pregnancy may lead to an increase in noninfectious uveitic disease activity as seen in this case.
“Successful Visual Recovery in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder,” by Crystal Maharrey, OD, MPH, FAAO, describes complete visual recovery in a patient who presented with a daunting clinical presentation. The author also reviews other demyelinating conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease, which are often commonly confused with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
Another report, “A Case of Anemic Retinopathy in Severe Microcytic Anemia,” by Emily Humphrey, OD, FAAO, stresses the need for systemic blood work and testing in patients who present with signs of retinal ischemia. A general understanding of the necessary systemic workup contributed to the prompt treatment and management of the patient.
Our fourth report, “Nasal Hypoplasia of the Optic Disc Reclassified to Septo-optic Dysplasia After Neurological Imaging,” by Jim Williamson, OD, FAAO, highlights this rare condition that was rediagnosed with the aid of multimodal and neuroimaging. The presented clinical images truly show the extent of the hypoplasia.
Our last case report, “An Unusual Case of Bilateral Neuroretinitis due to Bartonella henselae,” by Joshua Pangborn, OD, Samantha Fernandez, OD, FAAO, and Joshua Pasol, MD, shares an interesting case of neuroretinitis that was bilateral in presentation compared with the more common unilateral presentation. As other infectious and noninfectious etiologies can present similarity, the authors note and review the need for an extensive systemic workup.
The Academy’s Binocular Vision, Perception, and Pediatric Optometry Section presents this issue’s provocative question in our point-counterpoint series, “A Monocular or Binocular Approach to Amblyopia Treatment?” The writing team of Timothy Hug, OD, FAAO, Jolie LeGate, OD, Dan L. Fortenbacher, OD, FOVDR, and Leonard J. Press, OD, FAAO, FOVDR, advocate for the use of one approach over the other. The article contrasts the advantages and disadvantages of each approach based on the available evidence-based literature. Definitely a topic of discussion!
Once again, Drew Rixon, OD, FAAO, and Eddie Chu, OD, FAAO, provide excellent journal scans and pertinent reviews from other publications for this month’s issue. The reviews highlight valuable clinical pearls on several topics, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and corneal crosslinking.
Lastly, special thanks to our now Editor in Chief Emeritus, Joe Shovlin, OD, FAAO, for leading this journal the last 2 years. Joe is an amazing clinician, colleague, and mentor. We feel fortunate to have worked with him and look forward to his continued role going forward with the journal.
We hope you enjoy this issue!
Raman Bhakhri, OD, FAAO
Editor in Chief
Jim Williamson, OD, FAAO
Associate Editor