OCT Pitfalls in Glaucoma Diagnosis: Identifying Neurodegenerative Masqueraders
COPE #103106-GL
Event #132417
Expiration Date: 02/16/2029
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course reviews OCT interpretation pitfalls that can lead to glaucoma misdiagnosis, with emphasis on recognizing neurodegenerative and neurologic masqueraders, improving referral accuracy, and preventing unnecessary treatment escalation.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Differentiate glaucomatous RNFL loss from neurodegenerative patterns (TBI, MS, Parkinson’s, nutritional, ischemic, etc.)
- Identify OCT artifacts and segmentation errors that can lead to false glaucoma diagnosis or over-diagnosis
- Apply clinical decision algorithms for when to order neuro-imaging or neurology referral
This presentation was recorded at the Island Eyes Conference in January 2026. The conference received unrestricted educational grant support from Alcon, Sun Pharma, and Tarsus.
Video
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Text material
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Exam
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Certificate
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Get to know our speakers
Dr. Jacqueline Theis
Dr. Jacqueline Theis is an optometrist with
residency training in neuro-optometry, pediatrics, and vision therapy. She
specializes in managing patients with visual complaints due to brain injury,
stroke, neurological disease, and developmental conditions.
She previously served as Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Berkeley and as the founding Chief of the UC Berkeley Sports Vision and Concussion Clinic. Later,
she advanced concussion and neuro-optometric care at Kaiser Permanente in
Northern California.
An internationally recognized expert, Dr. Theis is known for her pioneering work in oculomotor dysfunction and prismatic correction of double vision. She lectures internationally, consults on healthcare policy, and participates in multi-university clinical research. She has been honored as Young Optometrist of the Year by both the California and Virginia Optometric Associations.
An internationally recognized expert, Dr. Theis is known for her pioneering work in oculomotor dysfunction and prismatic correction of double vision. She lectures internationally, consults on healthcare policy, and participates in multi-university clinical research. She has been honored as Young Optometrist of the Year by both the California and Virginia Optometric Associations.