Everything about LHON is confusing...even its name!  Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy is often referred to by its initials; “L-H-O-N”.  It is also referred to simply as “Lebers” (pronounced LAY-bers), the name of the German doctor (Theodore Leber) who in 1871 described several patients with the disorder. Dr. Leber's name is also associated with a completely different genetic eye condition called Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). It’s important to be sure you’re talking about the ‘right’ disease when reading or hearing about “Lebers”.