Role for Care Providers

The American Society of Anesthesiologists' Committee on Professional Liability has established this international Registry to investigate the mechanism of perioperative ischemic optic neuropathy (ION).  The mechanism of perioperative ION remains theoretical and thus prevention strategies cannot yet be effectively defined.

Using models developed through the ASA Closed Claims Project, the Committee on Professional Liability hopes to collect a large number of detailed case reports for analysis.  A detailed case report form has been posted on this web site with instructions for anonymous case submission.

Completion of these case reports requires access to the following medical records:

• Preoperative
• Intraoperative
  • Anesthesia record
• Postoperative
  • PACU record
  • Ophthalmologic examination report

The case report form is designed for use by anesthesiologists, although other health care professionals may be able to assist in its completion.

Strict measures are in place to assure confidentiality.

For more information, contact:

Karen Posner, Ph.D. Department of Anesthesiology University of Washington Box 356540 Seattle, WA 98195-6540 U.S.A. Telephone: (206) 616-2630 Fax: (206) 543-2958 E-mail:  posner@u.washington.edu    Download Dr. Posner's vCard:

Lorri A. Lee, M.D. Director, Postoperative Visual Loss Registry Department of Anesthesiology University of Washington Box 356540 Seattle, WA 98195-6540 U.S.A. E-mail: lorlee@u.washington.edu