Pitfalls in ophthalmic genetic counselling.

In Canada, half the young blind have inherited eye disease. Ophthalmic genetic counselling is a relatively new branch of preventive medicine. By informing affected families of the risk of inheriting an eye disease one hopes to reduce the frequency of such diseases. Clinical experience in ophthalmic genetics discloses many potential pitfalls. Failure to avoid them may have tragic consequences for the family advised.