Visual Snow Initiative

COLLABORATE, EDUCATE, AND CURE

Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) is a neurological condition that can affect vision, hearing, cognition, sensory processing, and overall quality of life.

The main characteristic of VSS is the constant perception of visual snow, which appears as static, flickering dots or flashing lights seen 24/7, whether the eyes are open or closed. Many describe it as trying to see through a snowstorm or a shaken snow globe. However, VSS typically involves more than just visual snow. Those with VSS commonly experience a range of other persistent, debilitating visual and non-visual symptoms. The condition is estimated to affect 2-3% percent of the global population and can impact people of all ages.

The Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) is a nonprofit organization that was created to establish global awareness, education, recognition, resources, and research for Visual Snow Syndrome. To date, VSI has been contacted by individuals affected by VSS in over 93 countries. Together, we can take action to drive progress for VSS.

Visual Snow 101

What is Visual Snow Syndrome?

Whether you are hearing about Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) for the first time or struggling to explain it to others, this video is for you.

Physicians can also share it with patients or colleagues to help improve understanding of VSS.

While VSS is complex, explaining it does not have to be.

DONATE

Support VSS research and the search for a cure.

LEARN

Use our diagnostic tools and educational resources.

JOIN THE CAUSE

Share your journey and raise awareness for VSS.

What is It Like Having VSS?

Visual Snow Syndrome Symptoms

Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) can impact individuals of any age or background, presenting a range of both visual and non-visual symptoms.

Visual & Non-Visual Symptoms

Recent Highlights

Our Collaborators

Some of the institutions VSI has worked with include:

What Experts Are Saying About VSI

Visual Snow Initiative Medical Professional Testimonials

Sierra Domb Announces Historic ICD Recognition Of Visual Snow Syndrome

In 2024-2025, VSI Founder Sierra Domb, alongside Dr. Peter Goadsby and Dr. Owen White, led a landmark initiative through the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) that resulted in a historic breakthrough: official ICD recognition by the World Health Organization for both Visual Snow Syndrome (the neurological condition) and Visual Snow (the hallmark visual symptom involving persistent static). This marked the first time Visual Snow Syndrome was formally acknowledged within global medical and scientific frameworks. The achievement represented a pivotal advancement for individuals who had long been marginalized and dismissed since the condition was first documented in 1944. By securing this recognition, VSI catalyzed progress in diagnosis, research, and treatment access worldwide, offering long-overdue validation to those affected by this historically misunderstood condition.

Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Brain Communications
Brain Communications
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Journal of Neuro-Opthalmology
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Neurology (American Academy of Neurology)
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
Headache, the Journal of Head and Face Pain
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Healthcare Brew
Healthcare Brew
Optometry Today (OT)
Optometry Today (OT)
The New Optometrist
The New Optometrist
Modern Retina
Modern Retina
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Brain: a Journal of Neurology
Emianopsia Magazine
Emianopsia Magazine
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic
Frontiers
Frontiers
Frontiers in Neurology
Frontiers in Neurology
PubMed
PubMed
Annals of Neurology
Annals of Neurology
Elsevier
Elsevier
 Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry
Morning Brew
Morning Brew
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Current Opinion in Neurology
Oxford Academic
Oxford Academic

Medical & Scientific

Publications

Our global impact and VSI-funded research studies have been featured in the following medical and scientific journals, as well as clinical databases:

VSI News & Research

Latest Updates

Our News & Research section features important updates on the Visual Snow Initiative, including research studies, interviews, projects, and other relevant information about our global efforts and progress regarding Visual Snow Syndrome.

VSS Affects Individuals of All Ages Worldwide

PURPOSE

The Visual Snow Initiative

The Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) is a nonprofit organization that was created to establish global awareness, education, recognition, resources, and research for Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), a neurological condition affecting an estimated 2-3% of the global population. VSS can impact vision, hearing, cognition, sensory processing, and quality of life for individuals of all ages.

Founded in 2018 by Sierra Domb, VSI was established after she experienced the onset of VSS. Sierra organized the first Visual Snow Conference, bringing together researchers and medical professionals from around the world to form a Global Research Team. This collaboration has resulted in groundbreaking research on symptomatology, pathophysiology, brain network mechanisms, neurotransmitter activity, biomarkers, and treatment strategies where none previously existed for VSS.

VSI’s team has driven research efforts in 7 countries and secured ICD recognition from the World Health Organization for both Visual Snow Syndrome and Visual Snow, marking the first global scientific and medical acknowledgment of VSS. Key milestones include the creation of the first Diagnostic Criteria for VSS, the launch of a Global Directory of VSS Physicians, the production of over 300 educational videos, the development of physician-patient resources to improve care outcomes and health literacy, the establishment of the first pediatric platform for children with VSS, and advancements in awareness through multimedia initiatives.

All donations to VSI directly support scientific research aimed at understanding Visual Snow Syndrome, developing safe and effective treatment options, and ultimately finding a cure. As research progresses, VSI’s team simultaneously builds global collaborations, raises awareness among public and medical communities, and creates multimodal educational resources designed to help both patients and medical professionals.

Origin of VSI

The Visual Snow Conference

One of the earliest efforts of the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) was the establishment of the first-ever Visual Snow Conference. Held on May 5th, 2018, at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Sierra and her team hosted a free summit that brought together individuals affected by VSS, their loved ones, and experts from around the world. Doctors, researchers, and scientists with expertise in VSS traveled from Australia, Canada, England, and various cities across the United States. Alongside Sierra, they offered acknowledgment and validation to patients and their families. The event aimed to raise awareness, share the current body of research, provide education, offer resources, and foster a deeper understanding of VSS.

NEWS & RESEARCH

Our News & Research section features important updates on the Visual Snow Initiative, including research studies, interviews, projects, and other relevant information about our global efforts and progress regarding Visual Snow Syndrome.

PHYSICIANS & SPECIALISTS

VSI’s Physicians & Specialists Directory features medical professionals from around the world. Many have worked with individuals living with Visual Snow Syndrome, who then referred them to us and affirmed their familiarity with the condition.

VISUAL SNOW WARRIORS

These inspiring individuals with Visual Snow Syndrome have shared their experiences and how they manage its symptoms.

Explore Our Website

VSI Website Walkthrough

This detailed video guide is designed to help you navigate the information and resources about Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI), and more available on our website.

If you need help navigating our website or are searching for something specific but are not sure where to begin, we recommend watching this tutorial.

“I was determined not to let Visual Snow Syndrome stifle my ambition. I refused to let this circumstance turn me into a person I wasn’t.”

SIERRA DOMB, FOUNDER