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Neurology

Our Specialists

Neuro-Ophthalmology

Deborah I. Friedman, M.D.Deborah I. Friedman, M.D.

585-273-3937

Current Titles and Roles

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology

Degrees, Certifications, and Licenses

  • B.S., Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 1979
  • M.D., Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 1983
  • Internship, Internal Medicine, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, 1983-1984
  • Residency, Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1984-1987
  • Fellowship, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, 1987
  • Fellowship, Neuro-Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, 1987-1989
  • Certification, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Prior Work History

1987-1989, Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

1996-2002, Associate Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y.

1989-1996, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y.

1991-1993, Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York Buffalo, N.Y.

Clinical Specialties

Neuro-Opthalmology, headache disorders, optic nerve, double vision

Highlights

  • American Academy of Neurology, 1995-Present
    • Consortium of Clerkship Directors, 1996-2002
    • Neuro-Ophthalmology/Neuro-Otology section member, 1996-Present
    • Course Director, Pseudotumor Cerebri, Annual Meeting, 1999-2002, 2004
    • Moderator, Scientific Platform Session, 2002
  • North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, 1988-Present
    • Education Committee, 1995
    • Treasurer, 1996-1998
    • Chair, Finance and Audit Committee, 2003
    • President Elect, 2004-2006
    • Chair, Education Committee, 2004-2006
  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 1988-Present
  • Society for Neuroscience 1990-Present
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology, 1990-Present
    • Faculty, Basic and Clinical Science Course: Neuro-Ophthalmology, 1995-2001
  • Women in Neuro-ophthalmology, 1992-Present
    • President, 1992-1994
  • American Headache Society (formerly AASH), 1998-Present
    • Ethics Committee, 2002-Present
    • Board of Directors, 2004-
  • National Headache Foundation, 1999-Present
  • International Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
  • International Headache Society, 2003-Present
  • American Neurological Association, 2004-

Research

  • Symptomatic and preventative treatment trials for migraine
  • Outcomes measures in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
  • Early treatment with prednisone in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis
  • Establishing a neuro-ophthalmology clinical trials network

Academic Activity

  • Weekly neuro-ophthalmology conference for residents and students (ophthalmology department)
  • Staffing for neuro-ophthalmology clinic
  • Teaching medical students about diagnosing optic nerve disorders and performing an ophthalmologic exam
  • Member of research subjects review board
  • Speaking in the community about migraine and headache disorders
  • Teaching courses and speaking at professional society meetings

Comments

About one-third of the brain is devoted to vision: seeing, processing what we see, and moving our eyes. Our visual system is affected by disorders at all levels of the nervous system and many systemic problems as well. As a neuro-ophthalmologist, I have the opportunity to see the full spectrum of neurologic disorders, using the analytic process of a neurologist and the examination tools of an ophthalmologist. Despite all of the technology available to enhance our practice, medicine for me is still about relationships – listening to the patient’s story, examining them and trying to put it all together. In the end, it’s about making people feel better. I love my work – it’s interesting, challenging and rewarding!