A patient diagnosed with mucous membrane pemphigoid (cicatricial pemphigoid) should be referred to which specialist due to a serious potential complication?

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) affects mucosal surfaces and can involve the conjunctiva of the eyes in addition to the oral mucosa, nasal mucosa, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and genitalia. Ocular involvement (cicatricial conjunctivitis) can lead to symblepharon (adhesion between eyelid and eyeball), entropion, and ultimately corneal scarring and blindness — a devastating and irreversible complication. Therefore, all patients with MMP should be referred to an ophthalmologist for baseline evaluation and monitoring, even in the absence of overt eye symptoms. Early detection and treatment can prevent permanent visual loss.