Scott Haines, MD

Biography

Specially trained to treat even the rarest conditions
When Dr. Scott Haines comes to work each day, he might not know what to expect when a new patient walks in the door. As a neuro-ophthalmologist, he treats disorders of the brain or the nerves that affect vision. “I see a variety of disorders, not to mention very rare conditions that come up only once a year or less,” he says.

His specialized training allows him to provide unparalleled care, as he regularly treats patient conditions. Common examples include vision loss from optic nerve disease, double vision, or eyelid or pupil asymmetry, plus the specific disorders – including idiopathic intracranial hypertension, optic neuritis and pituitary tumors – require Dr. Haines’ unique expertise to differentiate and diagnose.

Needless to say, this medical subspecialty goes far beyond looking at an eye chart and getting a prescription for glasses – and it’s rare to have a team of neuro-ophthalmologists at one hospital. “I feel like neuro-ophthalmology chooses you,” Dr. Haines says. “Neurologic function is already complex and fascinating – but add in the complexities of two eyes that need to work together and the process of changing light into visual perception, and there is a lot of fascinating stuff going on here.”

New evolutions in diagnostic tools and technology continue to increase the sophistication in identifying conditions and treating patients. “Every day, I help people with their problems and work to find a treatment for them,” he says, who notes that the body’s natural ability to want to heal itself is part of any treatment plan. “What a worthwhile way to spend your day.”

An initial visit includes a comprehensive patient history, including records from prior doctors and an examination of the individual’s nervous system from head to toe – with a specific focus on the eyes and vision. “We can conduct additional testing, such as field of vision testing or images of the eyes, right then,” he says. “We review all that information to make a diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.”

Patients also benefit from resources only available at an academic medical center, such as the National Eye Institute-sponsored study that Dr. Haines is participating in for the treatment of moderate to severe idiopathic intracranial hypertension. He holds the American Academy of Neurology’s A. B. Baker Award for neurologic education, as well as several VCU School of Medicine teaching awards.

His biggest reward comes when he can find a way to restore an individual’s eyesight, which is rare given the severity of many conditions he treats. “It doesn’t happen often,” he says, “but helping someone who cannot see when they come in to be able to see again is a really big deal.”

With their four children, Dr. Haines and his wife enjoy spending their time attending church, hiking, and gardening. He also enjoys strumming and making music on his banjo.