Norah S. Lincoff MD
Norah S. Lincoff
MD
Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Inflammation; Neuro-Ophthalmology; Neurology; Neurosurgery; Ophthalmology
Contact Information
Patient Care
Patient Care
This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.
View this physician on UBMDProfessional Summary:
I am a neuro-ophthalmologist with a primary clinical interest in optic neuropathy and vasculitis. I am the only trained adult Neuro-Ophthalmologist working full time in the Erie County area. I see a full range of neuro-ophthalmologic conditions, but I specialize in adult autoimmune optic neuropathy syndromes, diplopia, headache and multiple sclerosis (MS). I am also a board-certified ophthalmologist and conduct vision tests such as visual field testing, ocular coherence tomography (this assesses the health of the retina and optic nerve), sensorimotor examination and prism measurements. I see patients five days a week at UBMD Neurology at Conventus.
My main research interests include preventative treatment trials for autoimmune optic neuropathies and neuroprotection. I present annually at national and international conferences regarding autoimmune diseases including MS and the use of ocular coherence tomography and imaging in my field. I am also involved in the “Hopeful Ways Nicaragua and Costa Rica Eye Care Mission Projects,” an annual medical mission to Nicaragua or Costa Rica to prevent blindness. I work together with a group of medical professionals, local interpreters and Peace Corps volunteers to provide free vision care to over 900 patients a year. I am a member of the Kenmore Lions Club in Western NY. We hold free eyeglass clinics throughout the year.
I am actively involved in training medical students, residents and fellows. I lecture weekly to students in small group sessions as well as larger lecture settings and meetings at UB.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, Neuro-ophthalmology, Columbia University School of Medicine (1993)
- Residency, Ophthalmology, Cornell University (1992)
- Internship, Medicine, Danbury Hospital-Yale Univ. Medical School (1989)
- MD, Medicine, Univ. at Buffalo SMBS SUNY (1988)
Employment:
- 2026 Awards Ad Hoc Committee, UB, Jacobs School of Medicine
- Faculty Senate Alternate, Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine
- Head of Promotion Commitee for Department of Neurology, Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine
- Physician - Mission Work in Western NY and Globally, Hopeful Ways and the Lions Club of WNY
- Secretary to University Neurology Board of Directors, Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine
Awards and Honors:
- Top Doctors Listing 2005-present (2026)
- UB Inaugural Teaching Award (2025)
- WNY Best Doctors Listing 2005-2025 (2025)
- Service Award 30 year (2024)
- Department of Neurology Teaching Award (2016)
- Ophthalmology Department Teaching Award (2008)
- Exceptional Woman in Medicine
Research Expertise:
- Neuro-ophthalmology: RIVER STUDY with Neurosurgery IMPRESS STUDY with Neurosurgery
- Radiation Damage, Inflammatory Optic Neuropathies, IIH, Drug Toxicities
Research Centers:
- Jacobs Neurological Institute
UB 2020 Strategic Strengths:
- Extreme Events: Mitigation and Response
- Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
Journal Articles:
- Katz BJ, Lee MS, Lincoff NS, Abel AS, Chowdhary S, Ellis BD, Najafi A, Nguyen J, Seay MD, Warner JEA. (2025) Ophthalmic Complications Associated With the Antidiabetic Drugs Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. JAMA ophthalmology (Jan) doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.6058
- Jaikumar V, Sridhar V, Lincoff N, Davies J, Levy E, Siddiqui A et al. (2026) Length of Transverse Sinus Reinforcement Predicts Symptom Improvement After Venous Sinus Stenting for IIH. Neurosurgery (Jan)(00): 1-11.
- Jaikumar V, Raygor K, Malueg M, Lincoff N, LEVY E, Davies J, Siddiqui A, et al. (2026) Pathomechanistic role of central venous pressure in IIH. Neurosurgical Focus (Jan), 1(60): E3.
- Raygor K, Lincoff N, Siddiqui A, et al. (2026) Outcomes of venous sinus stenting versus ventriculoperitoneal shunting for fulminant idiopathic hypertension: a dual-center analysis. Neurosurgical Focus (Jan)(Epub)
- Raygor K, Jaikumar V, Lincoff NS, Levy E, Siddiqui A, et al. (2025) Comparative Analysis of Dural Venous Sinus Pressures, Gradients, and Dimensions in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension between Stented and Unstented Patients. Neurosurgery (Dec), 6(97): 1406-1417.
- Mirmosayyeb O, Yazdan Panah M, Moases Ghaffary E, Vaheb S, Mahmoudi F, Shaygannejad V, Lincoff N, Jakimovski D, Zivadinov R, Weinstock-Guttman B. (2025) The relationship between optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging measurements in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the neurological sciences (Jan), 470: 123401.
- Jakimoski D, Lincoff N, Zivadinov R, et al. (2021) Visual deficits and cognitive assessment of Multiple Sclerosis: confounder, correlate or both?. Journal of Neurology (Feb)(269(7)): 2578-2588.
- Lincoff NS, Balos LL, Hojnacki D, Farooq O, Hojnacki DW. (2020) Retinal Angiographic Evidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Prion Disease in Humans. J Neuroophthalmol (Jun).
- Tavazzi E, Jakimovski D, Linco? N, Guttman B, Zivadinov R et al. (2020) Serum neuro?lament light chain and OCT measures in Multiple Sclerosis: A longitudinal Study. Neurol Neuroimmuol Neuroinflamm (May)(7(4)): 737.
- Zivadinov R, Bergsland, N, Cappellani, R, Hagemeier, J, Melia, R, Carl, E, Dwyer MG, Lincoff NS, Weinstock-Guttman B, Ramanathan M. (2014) Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and thalamus pathology in multiple sclerosis patients. Eur J Neurol (Aug), 21(8): 1137-1161.
- Kardys A, Weinstock-Guttman B, Dillon M, Masud MW, Weinstock N, Mahfooz N, Lang JK, Weinstock A, Lincoff N, Zivadinov R, Ramanathan M, Lincoff NS. (2013) Cholesterol affects retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with multiple sclerosis with optic neuritis. Eur J Neurol (Sep), 20(9): 1264-1271.
- Kardys A, Weinstock-Guttman B, Dillon M, Masud M, Weinstock N, Mahfooz N, Lang J, Weinstock A, Lincoff N, Zivadinov R, Ramanathan, M. (2013) Cholesterol Affects Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Optic Neuritis. European Journal of Neurology (Apr), 20(9): 1264-1271.
- Schneider RM, Thurtell MJ, Eisele S, Lincoff N, Bala E, Leigh RJ, Lincoff NS. (2013) Neurological basis for eye movements of the blind. PLoS One (Feb), 8(2): 56556-56556.
- Farooq O, Lincoff NS, Saikali N, Prasad D, Miletich RS, Mechtler LL. (2012) Novel Treatment for Radiation Optic Neuropathy With Intravenous Bevacizumab. J Neuroophthalmol (Aug).
- Lincoff NS, Chung C, Balos L, Corbo JC, Sharma A, Balos LL. (2012) Combing the globe for terrorism. J Neuroophthalmol (Mar), 32(1): 82-85.
- Gupta SR, Palmer CA, Curé JK, Balos LL, Lincoff NS, Kline LB. (2011) Toluene optic neurotoxicity: magnetic resonance imaging and pathologic features. Hum Pathol (Feb), 42(2): 295-298.
- Yeh E, Weinstock-Guttman B, Lincoff N, Reynolds J, Weinstock A, Madurai N, Agarwal N, Buch P, Karpinski M. (2009) Retinal Nerve Fiber Thickness in Inflammatory Demyelinating Diseases of Childhood Onset. Mult Scler (May), 15(7): 802-810.
- Lincoff NS. (2006) Treatment of chronic facial pain. Curr Treat Options Neurol (Jan), 8(1): 69-79.
- Lincoff NS, Schlesinger D. (2005) Recurrent optic neuritis as the presenting manifestation of primary hypereosinophilic syndrome: a report of two cases. J Neuroophthalmol (Jun), 25(2): 116-121.
- Susac JO, Murtagh FR, Egan RA, Berger JR, Bakshi R, Lincoff N, Gean AD, Galetta SL, Fox RJ, Costello FE, Lee AG, Clark J, Layzer RB, Daroff RB, Lincoff NS. (2003) MRI findings in Susac's syndrome. Neurology (Dec), 61(12): 1783-1787.
- Lincoff H, Madjarov B, Lincoff N, Movshovich A, Saxena S, Coleman DJ, Schubert H, Rosberger D, McCormick S, McCormack S, Lincoff NS. (2003) Pathogenesis of the vitreous cloud emanating from subretinal hemorrhage. Arch Ophthalmol (Jan), 121(1): 91-96.
- Lincoff HA, Kreissig I, Lincoff N, Silverman R, Nisselbaum J, Lincoff NS. (2001) Elevated concentration of intraocular cortisol obtained by sequential parabulbar injection in rabbit model. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd (Jun), 218(6): 445-450.
- Wetzler M, Lincoff N, Lincoff NS. (2000) Unusual manifestations of acute leukemia. Case 3. Unilateral leukemic hypopyon. J Clin Oncol (Oct), 18(19): 3439-3440.
- Pullicino P, Lincoff N, Truax BT, Lincoff NS. (2000) Abnormal vergence with upper brainstem infarcts: pseudoabducens palsy. Neurology (Aug), 55(3): 352-358.
- Mojon DS, Fujihara K, Hirano M, Miller C, Lincoff NS, Jacobs LD, Greenberg SJ. (1999) Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy mitochondrial DNA mutations in familial multiple sclerosis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol (Apr), 237(4): 348-350.
- Lincoff NS, Rath PP, Hirano M. (1998) The treatment of periocular and facial pain with topical capsaicin. J Neuroophthalmol (Mar), 18(1): 17-20.
- Hirano M, Cleary JM, Stewart AM, Lincoff NS, Odel JG, Santiesteban R, Santiago Luis R. (1994) Mitochondrial DNA mutations in an outbreak of optic neuropathy in Cuba. Neurology (May), 44(5): 843-845.
- Lincoff NS, Odel JG, Hirano M. (1993) 'Outbreak' of optic and peripheral neuropathy in Cuba?. JAMA (Jul), 270(4): 511-518.
- Williams S, Char DH, Dillon WP, Lincoff N, Moseley M, Lincoff NS. (1988) Ferrous intraocular foreign bodies and magnetic resonance imaging. Am J Ophthalmol (Apr), 105(4): 398-401.
Abstracts:
- Lincoff N, Warren M. (2026) Susac Syndrome: OCT findings in 4 cases. NANOS abstract, NANOS 2026. Boston, Massachusetts (Mar) Poster
- Lincoff N, Warren M. (2026) Susac Syndrome. Rare Disease Day Symposium/UB, UB Rare Disease Day. Buffalo, New YorkUnited States (Feb) Poster; Oral
- Katz BJ, Lee MS, Lincoff NS, Abel AS, Chowdhary S, Ellis BD, Najafi A, Nguyen J, Seay MD, Warner JEA. (2025) Ophthalmic complications associated with the anti diabetic drugs Semaglutide and Tirzrpatide. NANOS annual meeting 2025. Phoenix, ArizonaUnited States (Mar) Poster
- Prasad S, Farooq O, Lincoff N. (2024) CRION patients often reveal their autoimmunity and systemic disease state years after their initial neuro-ophthalmologic presentation. Rare Disease Day Sylabus, Rare Disease Day at Jacob's School of Medicine. Buffalo, New YorkUnited States (Feb) Poster
- Lincoff N, Farooq O. (2023) CRION patients often reveal their autoimmunity and systemic disease state years after their initial neuro-ophthalmologic presentation. NANOS Syllabus 2023, NANOS 2023. Orlando, FloridaUnited States (Mar), (1378064) Poster
- Lincoff NS, Farooq O, Balos LL. (2016) Update on Treatment of Radiation Necrosis with Bevacizumab. Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, (Mar)
- Farooq O, Lincoff NS, Saikali, N, Prasad D, Miletich RS, Mechtler L. (2011) Novel Treatment for Radiation Optic Neuropathy with IV Bevacizumab. University of Buffalo 14th Annual Spring Clinical Research Day, (May)
- Farooq O, Lincoff NS, Saikali N, Prasad D, Miletich RS, Mechtler L. (2011) Novel Treatment for Radiation Optic Neuropathy with IV Bevacizumab. American Academy of Neurology, (Apr)
- Farooq O, Lincoff NS, Saikali N, Prasad D, Miletich RS, Mechtler L. (2011) Novel Treatment for Radiation Optic Neuropathy with IV Bevacizumab. North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, (Feb)
- Yeh EA, Ramanathan M, Lincoff N, Weinstock A, Weinstock-Guttman B. (2007) Visual Function as Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography and Visual Evoke Potentials in Pediatric Patients with Acquired Demyelinating Diseases. Annals of Neurology, (Oct)
- Weinstock -Guttman B, N. Lincoff, Weinstock A, R Stockton, Jacobs L. (1999) Predictive Factors in Recovery From Optic Neuritis. Neurology, (Jan)
Evaluative Studies and Case Reports:
- Lincoff N, Dressler D, Burns L, Freitas M. (2024) Slow Rise in Platelets as a Predictor of GCA in Patients With and Without PMR. NANOS Meeting Poster (Nov)
Professional Memberships:
- Roswell Park Society (2000–present)
- Walsh Society (1993–present)
- North American Neuro-ophthalmological Society (1993–present)
- DocHers; Student Mentoring
Presentations:
- "Bugs, Brains and Blindness 2026" NANOS Symposium Moderator and Organizer (2026)
- "Peaks and Prairies; Stereotypical OCT Findings in 4 Susac Patients" NANOS 2026 (2026)
- "Peaks and Prairies; Stereotypical OCT Findings in 4 Susac Patients" Rare Disease Day 2026 to be presented by a 3rd year medical student (2026)
- "Susac Syndrome" Rare Disease Day 2026 Jacobs School of Medicine (2026)
- "Medications and Their Effect on the Eye (GLP antagonists, oncology drugs) October 2025" IJCAHPO’s 53rd Annual Continuing Education (ACE) Program (2025)
- "Optic Nerve Atrophy for Beginners: When to Worry and What to Do" Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting 2025 (2025)
- "Update in Ophthalmology What Patients, Friends and Family Expect You to Know" Grand Rounds, Department of Neurology Jacobs School of Medicine (2025)
- "NANOS 2025: Slow Rise in Platelet Count as a Predictor of GCA in Patients With and Without PMR" NANOS Annual Meeting 2025 (2025)
- "Slow Rise in Platelet Count as a Predictor of GCA in Patients With and Without PMR" UB Rare Disease Day 2025 (2025)
- "I Had Cancer and my Optic Nerve and Chiasm are Enhancing – What is it?" Subspecialty Day Academy of Ophthalmology (2024)
- "Neuro-ophthalmology for Neurosurgeons" Neurosurgery Lecture Series (2024)
- "Alice in Wonderland Syndrome" Rare Disease Day UB/Dr. Osman Farooq (2024)
- "AI in Diagnosis of PapilledemaI A Physician-Trained Optical Coherence Tomography Virtual Tool for Efficient Detection and Monitoring of Raised Intracranial Pressure" UB Health and AI (2024)
- "Mundane Migraine Vs Malicious Mimickers" Invited lecturer American Academy of Ophthalmology Moscone Center (2023)
- "Functional Neurological Disorder. Moderator and Speaker" NANOS 2022 (2022)
- "Differential Diagnosis of Optic Neuritis and Eye Pain and Headache September 2021: UPMC Grand Rounds, What to Think of: Some Pearls of Neuro- ophthalmology" September 2021: UPMC Annual Meeting /Pittsburgh Ophthalmologic Society (2021)
- "Different Causes and Treatments of Optic Neuritis" Grand Rounds Department of Neurology UB (2021)
Service Activities:
- Select Teaching and Mentor Awardees for 2026; Ad Hoc Committee for Awards Jacobs School of Medicine (2026–present)
- Free Eyeglass Clinics in Western NY 2022 to Present; Lions Club of Kenmore (2025)
- ; See Service to the University (2025)
- Faculty Senate Alternate; Faculty Senate Alternate (2024–2026)
- Judge of Resident Projects Michael Cohen Resident Day 2024; Judge of Resident Projects (2024–present)
- DocHers Mentor to Medical Students (2022–2026)
- NANOS Task Force Member; NANOS Task Force Member (2022–2024)
- Poster Presentation Reviewer and Collaborator UB Research Day; Reviewer (2022–2023)
- Head of Promotion Commitee; Head of Promotion Commitee (2021–2025)
- Head of Department of Neurology Promotion Committee; Promotion Commitee (2021–2025)
- President and Interim President of the Roswell Park Medical Society; President and Interim President of the Roswell Park Medical Society (2020–2023)
- Univ at Buffalo SMBS Appeals Committee; Member (2000–present)
- Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology; Reviewer (1993–2026)
- Curriculum; Curriculum committee member (1993–2014)
- Resident Review/Advisory; Member (1993–2014)
- University of Neurology Board of Directors 225; Secretary
- ; Alternate Faculty Senate Member 2024-2025
- Alternate; Faculty Senate
- Poster and Talk presented by Medical Student at Rare Disease Day 2024, 2025, 2026. Jacobs School of Medicine; Mentor and Presenter 2024-2026
- Mission Work Locally and Internationally/Lions Club; Mission Work Locally and Internationally 1993-Present (Cuba, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and US)
- Coverage of Erie County and the surrounding areas; Only Fellowship Trained Adult Neuro-Ophthalmologist in Erie County since 1992