Abstract
Syphilis is still an important cause of eye disease and blindness in the Western world and is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in patients with HIV/AIDS. It is known as the 'great imitator' and can present to ophthalmologists with myriad symptoms and signs. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and serological testing. The mainstay of treatment remains penicillin, but care needs to be taken that the treatment given is adequate for neurosyphilis.