Members of the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) team, including Founder Sierra Domb and Director of Research Vanessa Mora, recently spoke with ophthalmology students at the University of Montreal’s Ophthalmology and Ocular Health Interest Group about Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS). In addition to the educational session, the University of Montreal also raised $510 in support of the Visual Snow Initiative, helping further VSI’s mission to advance research, awareness, and patient support.
The session introduced future physicians to the global impact of this neuro-ophthalmological condition, highlighting both its visual and non-visual symptoms and emphasizing the importance of early recognition and informed, evidence-based care grounded in scientific research and patient experience.
Visual symptoms are often the first reason individuals with VSS seek medical attention, and ophthalmologists are frequently the first clinicians they encounter. When ophthalmologists are able to recognize VSS, they can validate the patient’s experience, educate themselves on evidence-based treatment options, offer symptom-management strategies, and refer patients to appropriate specialists when needed. This informed approach can significantly reduce patient suffering, misdiagnosis, marginalization, unnecessary testing, and medical trauma, helping ensure the next generation of doctors is better equipped to support those living with VSS.
Below are video highlights of Sierra and Vanessa’s opening remarks.