Early Prediction of Outcomes Following Optic Neuritis: Development and Acceptability of a Prognostic Tool

The goal of this observational study is to determine whether genetic information, together with clinical information, can be used to improve prediction of future multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis after a first-time episode of optic neuritis. The study will also investigate visual outcomes, quality of life, healthcare use, and the acceptability of using genetic information to predict future health outcomes in people with optic neuritis.

The main outcomes that we aim to assess are:

1. Incident diagnosis of MS following a first episode of optic neuritis, including time to MS diagnosis. 2. Visual outcomes following optic neuritis, including visual acuity, visual field, and colour vision. 3. Clinical care received following optic neuritis, including specialist review, investigations/tests 4. Health-related and vision-related quality of life. 5. Health economic impacts and healthcare utilisation after experiencing optic neuritis 6. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices/behaviours about using genetic information to predict future MS disease risk.

If consented, participants will:

1. Allow researchers to review information from their medical records relating to their optic neuritis diagnosis, investigations, treatments, and outcomes. 2. Be invited to provide a saliva sample for genetic analysis. 3. Complete questionnaires about their lifestyle/risk factors, quality of life, and views on genetic risk prediction. 4. Allow researchers to track long-term health outcomes using information from their NHS records