Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy Syndrome (BBSOAS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the NR2F1 gene, known for its role in brain and ocular development. The syndrome, initially described by Bosch, Boonstra, and Schaaf, presents a spectrum of symptoms, with significant ophthalmologic involvement being central to its clinical picture. Visual impairment is often among the first indicators and a major contributor to the overall impact of the condition on affected individuals.

Comorbidity among ophthalmology patients is under recognised. Patients often need to see multiple sub-specialists for multiple conditions, and this can be overwhelming and often leads to appointments being missed. This is because currently there is a mismatch between the capacity and demand that current NHS Ophthalmology departments can offer. It was reported that 630,000 patients were waiting for an ophthalmology appointment in 2023 in comparison to 260,000 in 2011.

In medical school, I wasn’t always sure which path I wanted to pursue. Surgery seemed like a natural choice, especially given my family’s influence—my uncles and grandfather were all surgeons, specialising in general, paediatric, and orthopaedic surgery. They had built meaningful careers, and I felt the weight of their legacy as I considered my future. Nevertheless, nothing quite resonated with me, and for a while, I felt adrift, unsure of where I truly belonged. I always wanted to be different, envisioning a path that was uniquely my own.

Canaliculitis is an uncommon condition caused by chronic infection of the lacrimal canaliculus, a key part of the lacrimal drainage system. It is typically a unilateral condition and is associated with a variety of signs including discharge, epiphora, swelling of the eyelid and punctum pouting. Primary lacrimal canaliculitis (PLC) occurs mainly secondary to infection, most commonly due to actinomyces, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. Secondary canaliculitis, on the other hand, occurs as a complication of inter-canalicular or punctal plug insertion for the treatment of dry eye. Management can be conservative, with warm compress, topical and systemic antibiotics, irrigation, and syringing, or surgical, including punctoplasty, canaliculotomy, canalicular curettage, and silicone tube intubation.

Ocular Toxoplasmosis (OT), caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is considered the most common cause of infectious posterior uveitis. The infection can affect both congenital and postnatally infected individuals. Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of this condition is essential as it can lead to severe visual impairment if left untreated.