For Students

FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM NANOS

We would love to tell you more about our fascinating field.

Neuro-ophthalmologists take care of visual problems related to the nervous system, i.e., visual problems that do not come from the eyes themselves. Almost 50% of the brain is dedicated towards vision-related activities including the perception and interpretation of visual stimuli in the environment as well as motor control and coordination of eye movements.  Some of the more common problems evaluated by neuro-ophthalmologists include optic neuritis, diplopia, transient visual loss, and visual field loss.  Neuro-ophthalmologists are often the first to diagnose a new case of multiple sclerosis, myasthenia, thyroid disease, brain tumors, and stroke.  The field is fascinating; even after practicing for decades, on any day, one might encounter a diagnosis or scenario for the first time.

To become a neuro-ophthalmologist, you may complete a residency in either ophthalmology or neurology followed by a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology.  NANOS has worked to develop certified fellowship programs.  Ophthalmology-trained neuro-ophthalmologists frequently incorporate surgery (e.g. strabismus, orbit, cataract) into their practice.

It is important to note that the demand for exceeds supply of neuro-ophthalmologists.  Thus, you will be employable and sought-after in a field you love!  And, because of this, there is very little competition between neuro-ophthalmologists. We have a community that supports one another so we can all help our patients and achieve our goals.

For more information about NANOS and the field of Neuro-ophthalmology, you may find the following pages helpful:

• Homepage: https://www.nanosweb.org
• Who we are: https://www.nanosweb.org/about
• DEI Information: https://www.nanosweb.org/dei
• 2025 Annual Meeting information: https://www.nanosweb.org/NANOS2025
• NANOS Spotlight (newsletter): https://www.nanosweb.org/NANOSspotlight
• What is a Neuro-ophthalmologist: https://www.nanosweb.org/neuro-ophthalmologist
• Young Neuro-ophthalmologist page: https://www.nanosweb.org/YONOportal
• NOVEL (Neuro-ophthalmology Virtual Education Library): https://www.nanosweb.org/NOVEL
• Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology- (upfront cases): https://www.nanosweb.org/JNO
• NANOS Awards (some are available for trainees!): https://www.nanosweb.org/awards
• Webcast about careers in Neuro-Ophthalmology: Demystifying Careers in Neuro-Ophthalmology: What is it that we do?
• Podcast about Neuro-Ophthalmology: Out of the Blindspot Podcast - Apple Podcasts

• NANOS offers student membership. Learn more about it here.

  STUDENT APPLICATION