An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists and opticians in their levels of training and in what they can diagnose and treat.

New research on a fatal brain infection related to mad cow disease could lead to safe ways to diagnose the infection through the eyes. The findings are also a red flag about the importance of preventing the spread of the infection during eye surgery and other procedures, res…