Huntington Times

Marshall Health Network (MHN) has introduced neuro-ophthalmology services in southern West Virginia, led by Dr. Christopher W. Burrell. Dr. Burrell is the only neuro-ophthalmologist in the region and will address complex vision issues linked to neurological conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Neuro-ophthalmology combines neurology and ophthalmology to diagnose and treat vision problems originating from the brain or nervous system. Conditions treated include optic neuritis, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, giant cell arteritis, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, compressive optic neuropathy, optic atrophy, nutritional or toxic optic neuropathies, hereditary optic neuropathy, visual loss, visual disturbances, cortical visual impairment, ocular myasthenia gravis, nystagmus, cranial nerve palsies, diplopia, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, Horner’s syndrome, Adie’s tonic pupil and other pupillary abnormalities. Services also include genetic testing and Botox treatments.

Dr. Burrell earned his medical degree from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and completed his neurology residency there as well. He recently completed a neuro-ophthalmology fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami where he was named the 2023-2024 Fellow of the Year.

In addition to his clinical work at MHN's facilities in Huntington—Marshall Eye Surgeons at East Hills Professional Center and Marshall Neurology at Robert and Lena Shell Medical Pavilion—Dr. Burrell serves as an assistant professor with dual appointments in neurology and ophthalmology at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

“Neuro-ophthalmologic conditions frequently involve multiple specialties and can be challenging to diagnose and treat in a timely manner,” said Dr. Burrell. “Patients often face years of visits to various specialists and extensive travel at significant cost. Our aim is to provide neuro-ophthalmology expertise to patients across West Virginia and the Tri-State area.”

For more information about neuro-ophthalmology services or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Burrell at Marshall Health Network facilities in Huntington, visit marshallhealth.org/services/neuro-ophthalmology or call 304-691-1787.