When the Eyes Deceive: Understanding Charles Bonnet Syndrome with Dr. Leo Skorin

What happens when your brain creates vivid, lifelike images that aren’t really there — and you’re not imagining things, and you’re not losing your mind? That’s the reality for patients living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome, and it’s one of the most misunderstood conditions in all of eye care.On this episode of The Dr. April Jasper Show, we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Leo Skorin — neuro-ophthalmologist, optometrist, Mayo Clinic clinician, prolific author, and one of the most respected educators in the field — to explore his groundbreaking new book, Charles Bonnet Syndrome and Other Visual Hallucinations: Clinical Diagnosis and Management.Dr. Skorin brings decades of clinical wisdom, having delivered over 700 lectures worldwide and trained generations of eye care professionals. But what truly sets him apart is his passion for lifting others up — sharing knowledge freely, mentoring tirelessly, and ensuring that both clinicians and patients have the tools they need to face even the most complex visual conditions with confidence.In this conversation, Dr. Skorin unpacks the neuroscience behind Charles Bonnet Syndrome, why it’s so frequently misdiagnosed, how to distinguish it from psychiatric conditions, and what real hope and management look like for patients and caregivers. Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, or someone who loves one, this episode will change how you see — and understand — the brain’s extraordinary power.