That’s a bit concerning that your ophthalmologist is unfamiliar with painless ocular migraines since they are not uncommon. Hmmm is right. Your quest for answers continues.

From what I’ve read, TIAs tend to start and stop suddenly and typically last 5 min or less. Ocular migraines tend to come on gradually, go away gradually and last longer.

Ocular migraines seem to be harmless on their own except for the fact you can’t see temporarily so it depends on what you’re doing at the time.

TIAs are of greater concern and the cause should be investigated. Hope the checkerboard vision is nothing more than a nuisance for you.

It’s amazing how many weird things can happen to our body. Just because it’s not in a textbook doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Best of luck.

My mom had a similar experience. She was in her 80’s and saw checkerboard patterns and sometimes stripes. Her ophthalmologist also had no clue. It turns out her blood pressure was sky high and when corrected, the visual disturbances went away.