The optic disc, also known as the optic nerve head, is the point in the eye where the optic nerve fibers exit the retina. It appears as a small, round area on the back of the eye and lacks photoreceptors, making it a blind spot in the visual field. This disc is crucial for vision, as it transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. The health of the optic disc can be assessed during an eye examination, helping to detect conditions like glaucoma or optic neuritis.