Evaluation of the management of optic neuritis: audit on the neurological and ophthalmological practice in the north west of England

The management of acute optic neuritis by neurologists and ophthalmologists in the north west of England was assessed in the light of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT) recommendations. A questionnaire on a fictitious case of typical unilateral optic neuritis was mailed to all consultant ophthalmologists and neurologists working in the North West and Merseyside Health Authorities. They were then asked to comment on management of the case. Fifty two out of 86 ophthalmologists and 20 out of 28 neurologists replied. The overall response rate was 63%. Sixty five per cent of neurologists and 46% of ophthalmologists would investigate a typical case of acute optic neuritis further. Forty six per cent of neurologists and 36% of ophthalmologists were likely to arrange MRI of the brain or orbit. Significantly more neurologists (55%) than ophthalmologists (9%) chose to treat with intravenous methylprednisolone (p