Veeral Shah, MD, PhD

As a pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist, I specialize in treating conditions related to the interactions between the eyes and the brain. These complex disorders impact the ocular pathway, optic nerves, retinas and cranial nerves that come from the central nervous system.

Patients come to me after seeing their eye doctor, whether an ophthalmologist or optometrist. My expertise encompasses neurology and ophthalmology.

I believe knowledge is power. When working with patients, I want the patient (when possible),as well as their parents, grandparents, guardians or caretakers to understand the complexity of neuro-ophthalmic issues. I dedicate my time to ask and answer questions, perform a complex neuro-ophthalmology exam and conduct complex testing that I review and discuss with the child and/or family in terms of diagnosis and care management plans.

I also believe in a holistic approach to care. I assure families that we will address any and all issues in the child’s overall development and their vision, for as long as they need us.

Some of the neuro-ophthalmic conditions I treat include complex strabismus, cranial nerve palsies, craniofacial diseases, demyelinating diseases, eye movement abnormalities, intracranial tumors, nystagmus, ocular genetics/electrophysiology, optic neuropathy and optic nerve hypoplasia.

My interest in neurobiology and neuroscience began in college. When I got to medical school, I enjoyed working with my hands and loved working with kids. I see the unlimited potential and future hope in children’s eyes. A wonderful mentor guided me to the challenging but rewarding field of pediatric neuro-ophthalmology. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

My clinical and basic research focuses on the molecular genetics of optic nerve protection and development, and neuro-oncology. With the optic nerve, I study idiopathic intracranial hypertension and multiple optic neuropathies including demyelinating disease, traumatic optic neuropathy and hereditary optic neuropathy. I also study vision development, specifically abnormal ocular movements, such as nystagmus. I focus on developing new treatments for improved vision outcomes.

I’m honored to be a fellow with the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS). The society grants this status to individuals who make significant contributions in the field of neuro-ophthalmology. I’ve also received two teaching awards:

• 2019 Teaching Award from the Pediatric Neurology Department at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston
• 2014 Fellow of the Year Teaching Award from residents at the University of Miami/Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

In my free time, I like to play video games and watch superhero/sci-fi movies and anime. I also enjoy eating new foods, cooking, traveling, playing basketball, gardening and spending time with family.