NEURO-OPTOMETRIC REHABILITATION
A Vital Part of Your Overall Recovery
A brain injury—whether caused by a concussion, stroke, or another neurological condition—can significantly affect how you function day to day. One of the most commonly overlooked consequences is vision problems. These issues may not show up immediately after the injury; in fact, they can take days or even weeks to appear.
Because of this delay, it’s important to have your vision evaluated by a Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Optometrist—a doctor specially trained to assess and treat visual disturbances caused by damage to the central nervous system.
Understanding Brain Injury and Its Impact on Vision
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any brain damage that occurs after birth. This can result from a medical condition such as a stroke, brain tumor, aneurysm, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy—or from an external force, known as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
A TBI happens when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading causes of TBIs in the U.S. are falls, being struck by an object, and motor vehicle accidents. Sports and recreational activities are also frequent causes of concussion, with football, hockey, and soccer being among the higher-risk sports—but concussions can happen in any activity.
Brain injuries often lead to a range of symptoms, including changes in balance, speech, and motor function—but visual problems are among the most common and most disruptive to everyday life.
Common Vision Problems After a Brain Injury
Up to 90% of people with a TBI experience some form of visual dysfunction. That’s because the injury can interrupt the complex communication between the eyes and the brain.
If left untreated, these visual challenges can affect mobility, work, reading, and overall quality of life. If you notice vision changes following a head injury or neurological event, don’t wait—seek an evaluation by a Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Optometrist like Dr. Jesse Willingham.
What Is Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation?
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is a specialized, individualized form of care designed to restore visual function following brain injury or neurological disease.
Optometrists trained in this field use tools such as therapeutic lenses, prisms, and vision therapy to help retrain the visual system and improve the connection between the eyes and brain.
During your evaluation, a Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Optometrist will test:
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Eye movement and coordination
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Depth perception and spatial awareness
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Posture and balance
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Visual memory and visual-motor integration
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How vision interacts with other sensory systems like the vestibular (balance) system
Because every brain injury is different, each treatment plan is customized to the individual’s unique needs. Research and clinical experience show that patients who complete vision rehabilitation programs often experience significant improvement in their daily function and quality of life. A recent study showed that office-based vision therapy is effective in improving concussion-related vision issues and that “immediate initiation of office-based vision therapy compared with delayed initiation shortens the period of symptoms experienced and fosters an earlier return to activities.”
A Team Approach to Recovery
Vision rehabilitation is often just one piece of the puzzle. Many patients benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that includes collaboration with other professionals such as neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, neuropsychologists, and rehabilitation physicians.
Working together, these specialists help ensure the best possible recovery for individuals healing from concussion, stroke, or other neurological disorders.
Ready to See the Full Picture?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your eyes and brain are truly working together, we’d love to help.
📅 Schedule a Functional Vision Evaluation to uncover what 20/20 alone can’t tell you.
👉 Contact us today or call our office to learn more about how vision therapy can help you or your child thrive — at school, at work, and in life.
