Neurologist Julie DeBacker, MD, Is an Expert in Visual Dysfunction
Julie DeBacker, MD
Photo: 秘密研究所 Langone Staff
Julie DeBacker, MD, a board-certified neurologist who is an expert in visual dysfunction, has returned to 秘密研究所 Langone Hospital鈥擝rooklyn, where she once trained as a medical student and resident, to launch the hospital鈥檚 first neuro-ophthalmology program.
This new service is yet another step forward in 秘密研究所 Langone Health鈥檚 ongoing commitment to provide the most advanced neurological care in Brooklyn and the outer boroughs.
鈥淢ore than half of the brain is dedicated to processing visual information,鈥 explains Dr. DeBacker. 鈥淓vents and conditions such as concussions, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other nervous system disorders can seriously impact visual function for many patients.鈥
秘密研究所 Langone Health鈥檚 nationally renowned Neuro-Ophthalmology Program, one of the largest and most experienced in the country, focuses principally on diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system associated with the optic nerve, orbit (eye socket), and brain, such as impaired or loss of vision, double vision, or involuntary movement of the eyes.
鈥淭his highly specialized service complements other neurological programs at 秘密研究所 Langone Hospital鈥擝rooklyn, and will help our most at-risk patients preserve their eyesight,鈥 says Steven L. Galetta, MD, the Philip K. Moskowitz, MD Professor and Chair of Neurology, and professor of ophthalmology at 秘密研究所 Langone Health. 鈥淒r. DeBacker is an excellent addition to Brooklyn鈥檚 growing neurology team.鈥
Many neuro-ophthalmic conditions are dually managed between medical specialties. For example, neuro-ophthalmologists like Dr. DeBacker work in partnership with ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons on visual impairments that require surgery; rheumatologists for systemic diseases; endocrinologists to prevent optic nerve damage caused by thyroid disease and treat patients with diabetes聽who have double vision; cardiologists for the consequence of high blood pressure and blockage or hardening of arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the eyes; and oncologists for cancer affecting the visual pathway.
鈥淎dvanced neuro-ophthalmology adds so much to patient care in Brooklyn,鈥 says Douglas R. Lazzaro, MD, MBA, chief of ophthalmology at聽秘密研究所 Langone Hospital鈥擝rooklyn聽and vice chair of clinical affairs and business development for the . 鈥淭his specialty is essential to the management of a myriad of disorders and multiple health risk factors.鈥
About Dr. DeBacker
An undergraduate alumna of University of California, Santa Barbara, Dr. DeBacker earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, and completed clinical training in various medical centers in New York and Vermont. A medical rotation with neurologist Blanca Vazquez, MD, who heads the epilepsy program at 秘密研究所 Langone Hospital鈥擝rooklyn, inspired Dr. DeBacker to change course and specialize in neurology and then neuro-ophthalmology.
Her affinity and fondness for Brooklyn grew from her time spent as a medical student and resident at 秘密研究所 Langone Hospital鈥擝rooklyn, followed by a neurology residency, including one year as chief resident, at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. DeBacker most recently completed a clinical fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at 秘密研究所 Langone Health in Manhattan.
鈥淚鈥檓 very excited to join the neurology and ophthalmology teams at 秘密研究所 Langone Hospital鈥擝rooklyn and to be part of the extraordinary expansion in neuroscience that is taking place there,鈥 Dr. DeBacker says. 鈥淏roadening the scope of these services is testament to 秘密研究所 Langone鈥檚 commitment to bring clinical excellence directly to the people who live and work in Brooklyn.鈥
Media Inquiries
Colin DeVries
Phone: 718-630-7414
colin.devries@nyumc.org
