Electrodiagnostic evaluation of the visual system: the role of the clinician.

Visual electrodiagnosis is a new discipline with a long history. The foundations include the disciplines of psychophysics, neurophysiology, electronics, computer science, statistics and medicine. However, with such a complex heritage, visual electrodiagnosis has taken a considerable time to evolve to its present form. Today visual electrodiagnostic assessment is relevant, not only for conditions primarily affecting the visual system, but also in more generalised pathological states in which eye changes may be a manifestation. Pressures for more refined and accurate diagnoses stem both from a continuing improvement in knowledge of disease processes by the medical profession and greater expectations on the part of patients seeking advice. Specialised investigative services such as electrodiagnosis, if these are appropriately funded and maintained, provide data to clinicians which is repeatable and objective, without resorting to invasive technology.