Imaging in neuro-ophthalmology in the context of value-based care

Neuro-ophthalmic imaging is an invaluable tool for clinical decision-making and has evolved rapidly. At the same time, both imaging utilization and healthcare costs have skyrocketed, and concern for imaging overuse has become a salient topic. This article gives an overview of the current state of neuro-ophthalmic imaging from a value-based medicine lens and discusses recent neuro-ophthalmic advancements in OCT with these considerations in mind.

Neuro-ophthalmology is not immune to the waste prevalent in medical imaging. Recent guidelines recommend against routine imaging for ophthalmic conditions without the presence of symptoms. Although neuro-ophthalmic specialty consults and imaging compare favorably against other specialties, the diagnostic yield depending on imaging indication can vary dramatically. For newer developments such as in OCT, it is particularly difficult to assess cost-effectiveness despite the technology's exciting diagnostic potential.

Familiarity with guidelines to counter misuse, the diagnostic yield of imaging in particular situations, and the limitations of new technology can all help neuro-ophthalmologists make educated tradeoffs and adapt to the new landscape of cost-effective medicine. By helping to decrease costs and efficiently utilize limited resources, the end benefactors will be the increased number of patients who have greater access to affordable care.