After developing shingles on his face in spring 2024, Bill Rowcliffe began experiencing blurred vision which is a sign of a rare and dangerous complication. UCI Health ophthalmologists Marjan Farid, MD and Samuel Spiegel, MD diagnosed inflammation of his optic nerve, a condition that could lead to blindness or even death if untreated.
Rowcliffe was rushed to the emergency room and hospitalized for six days, where a multidisciplinary team administered high-dose intravenous steroids and antiviral therapy. With no established protocol for this rare condition, the team collaborated across departments and institutions to craft a personalized treatment plan.
Thanks to their swift and expert care, Rowcliffe’s vision gradually improved. Today, he’s back to reading, driving, and playing pickleball with 20/30 vision and deep gratitude for the team that saved his sight and life.