Faces are among the most important objects that our visual system recognises. This presentation will begin with an overview of the characteristics that make faces a special category of objects within the brain.

The lecture will then highlight the diverse range of conditions which are associated with impaired face recognition. There is currently research interest in the idea that impaired face perception is an important, but perhaps overlooked, consequence of ocular disease. Specific attention will also be given to prosopagnosia (face-blindness). The clinical features of face perception impairments will be highlighted with a focus on those relevant to eye-care professionals.