The present invention provides antibodies that bind specifically to TrkB and methods of using the same. According to certain embodiments, the antibodies of the invention are agonist antibodies that are neuroprotective, as shown by their effect on enhancing the survival of retinal ganglion cells in vitro. As such, these agonist antibodies may be used to treat diseases or disorders of the eye, such as, but not limited to glaucoma. In addition, other neuronal diseases or disorders may benefit from treatment with these agonist antibodies, including any disease or disorder characterized in part by neuronal damage. In certain embodiments, the invention includes antibodies that bind TrkB and mediate cell signaling. The antibodies of the invention may be fully human, non-naturally occurring antibodies.