Neuro-ophthalmology in Saudi Arabia: Clinical practice, challenges, and future directions

PURPOSE: This study provides an overview of neuro-ophthalmology in Saudi Arabia, evaluates the clinical practice of neuro-ophthalmology in the country, identifies the challenges, and implements recommendations to improve practice in this field. METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of two surveys: The first survey was conducted with 32 general ophthalmologists and neurologists, while the second was conducted with six practicing neuro-ophthalmologists in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: All six neuro-ophthalmologists reported that they were Saudi Arabian nationals who worked either in Riyadh or other major cities in the Eastern and Western regions of the country. Only one of the six neuro-ophthalmologists was trained as a neurologist. Fifty percent of the neuro-ophthalmologists were trained in Saudi Arabia. Two out of the six neuro-ophthalmologists also reported providing services that were related to other specialties. Poor salary prospects for a neuro-ophthalmologist and the lack of availability of local fellowship programs were the most frequently reported reasons accounting for the lack of career interest in neuro-ophthalmology among medical residents. CONCLUSION: The study findings revealed that there is inadequate access to neuro-ophthalmologists in Saudi Arabia and that career interest in neuro-ophthalmology is very low among Saudi ophthalmologists and neurologists. Provision of sponsored subspecialty training opportunities, local fellowship programs, and early exposure may help increase interest in the field. The future of neuro-ophthalmology in Saudi Arabia will be determined by curious, creative, and passionate young physicians.