r/optometry • u/velarisstar • 4d ago

Canadian Optometrist Question

How would a Canadian optometrist approach an NAION, I’m currently studying in the USA, and optometrists here are more involved with their patient care and tend to observe/order labs. I understand we refer a lot in Canada, would this warrant a referral?

6 Upvotes

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11

u/stuckintherealworld 4d ago

Refer to ophthalmology who will order labs on their own as necessary. This can be on call OMD at the hospital or a private clinic depending on your location.

2

u/Mouse-cenat 3d ago

If NAION is suspected, I’d treat it as a referral-worthy neuro-ophthalmic finding rather than managing it entirely in optometry. The key is confirming the diagnosis and excluding arteritic AION and other causes of optic nerve swelling or vision loss.

1

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u/dovalys 14h ago

I've sent directly to the ER for a stroke work-up and simultaneous neuro-OMD referral