Diagnostic Error in Neuro-ophthalmology: Avenues to Improve

Abstract

Purpose of Review: To highlight potential avenues to reduce preventable diagnostic error of neuro-ophthalmic conditions and avoid patient harm. Recent Findings: Recent prospective studies and studies of patient harm have advanced our understanding. Additionally, recent studies of fundus photography, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence highlight potential avenues for diagnostic improvement. Summary: Diagnostic error of neuro-ophthalmic conditions can often be traced to failure to gather an adequate history, perform a complete physical exam, obtain adequate/appropriate neuroimaging, and generate a complete, appropriate differential diagnosis. Improving triage and identification of neuro-ophthalmic conditions by other providers and increasing access to subspecialty neuro-ophthalmology evaluation are essential avenues to reduce diagnostic error. Further research should evaluate the relationship between misdiagnosis and patient harm, and help identify the most impactful potential targets for improvement.