Xiaojun Zhang, MD

About Me

I am a board-certified neurologist with fellowship training in both multiple sclerosis/neuroimmunology and neuro-ophthalmology. As a neuroimmunologist, I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system. As a neuro-ophthalmologist, I take care of visual problems that are related to the nervous system. There is a large overlap between these two fields: neuro-ophthalmology focuses on conditions affecting vision related to brain and nerves, while multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system demyelinating disorder that commonly affects eyesight and eye movement. Dual fellowship training in these fields enables me to integrate the need of care from both sides into one!

I believe the eternal goal of being a physician is to help patients. I also believe working as a team with my patients is the best way to solve the puzzles of their neurological and visual concerns. I carefully listen to patients to not only gather meaningful history but to also prioritize their needs. I perform both neurological and eye exams, interpret both neuroimages and retinal images to localize the problem, then seek the best available tools to maintain and improve their quality of life.

My passion of pursuing neuro-ophthalmology started more than 20 years ago when I was intrigued by its complexity, and large need yet lack of access. I completed a one-year international neuro-ophthalmology fellowship training at Emory Eye Center in 2004 then returned to China. Since then, I have continued enjoying taking care of my patients and working with colleagues around the world in this fascinating field. After accomplishing my neuro-ophthalmology goals in China, I moved to the United States. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center opened the gate for me to pursue my dream of combining neuro-ophthalmology and neuroimmunology. The cutting-edge neuroimmunology research, the multidisciplinary patient care service at the Ohio State Multiple Sclerosis Center and the very collaborative, supportive and welcoming environment at Ohio State inspires great hope and makes me feel at home. Working at such a prestigious academic facility, I am also very motivated in research. I am currently focusing on applying retinal image study to MS patient care and clinical trials. I enjoy working with our talented medical school students and residents, not only for their medical education but also for mine.

When I am not working, I enjoy exploring different places, cultures, foods and meeting people with my husband and son. I enjoy reading, walking, biking, making dumplings for family and friends, and swimming (whenever I can).

Highlights

• Committee member of Patient Education, North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society; committee member of Asian Neuro-ophthalmology Society; vice president of Chinese Neuro-ophthalmology Society; committee member of Editorial Board of Neuro-Ophthalmology
• Over 100 peer-reviewed publications in neuro-ophthalmology and neuroimmunology; Over 100 scientific presentations and 11 books in neuro-ophthalmology (translation or author/coauthor)
• Established the first neuro-ophthalmology Doctor Degree Program in China with 15 graduates; held five national key Neuro-ophthalmologist Training Courses in China
• High-level Talented Doctors in Beijing Healthcare System and Young Talented Doctors in China Award
• Best Case Study and Best Quantitative Research Poster Prize, Residency Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria.

Procedures and Conditions I Treat

• Ophthalmology
• Diplopia
• Optic Nerve Diseases
• Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuromyelitis Optica
• Pseudotumor Cerebri
• Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System
• Optic Neuritis
• Nystagmus, Pathologic

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