Understanding Neuro-Optometry: Methods and Benefits

What is Neuro-Optometry?

Neuro-optometry, also known as neuro-optometric rehabilitation, is a specialized branch of optometry that focuses on helping individuals with vision problems resulting from brain injuries or neurological conditions. This field addresses the important connection between the eyes and the brain, aiming to restore proper communication and function between the two.

Unlike standard eye exams, which focus on visual clarity and eye health, a neuro-optometric evaluation examines:

• How well your eyes focus, track, and move together.  

• Whether your vision is affecting your balance, coordination, memory, or concentration.  

• How your visual system is contributing to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, or brain fog. 

Who Can Benefit from Neuro-Optometry?

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation can be extremely helpful for individuals recovering from:

• Concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) 

• Stroke 

• Long COVID 

• Neurological infections or inflammation 

Even if you have perfect 20/20 vision, you may still experience symptoms that signal a need for specialized care. These symptoms include:

• Feeling dizzy or off-balance  

• Trouble reading or driving  

• Poor coordination or clumsiness  

• Light sensitivity or frequent headaches  

• Fatigue or eye strain when using a screen 

What to Expect from Neuro-Optometric Treatment

Each individual’s brain injury and visual system are unique, which is why your neuro-optometric rehabilitation plan will be specifically tailored to address your personal needs and lifestyle. After a comprehensive evaluation, your neuro-optometrist will recommend the most effective treatments and techniques to retrain how your eyes and brain collaborate, reduce symptoms, and help restore confidence in your daily life—whether at work, school, or in leisure activities. Your personalized treatment plan will incorporate a variety of proven, evidence-based approaches designed for your specific situation.

Therapeutic Lenses

Specialized lenses, such as tinted, prism, or high-powered lenses, are used to alter the way light enters your eyes and how visual information is processed by your retina. These lenses make it easier for your eyes to focus, align, and filter images, helping to alleviate symptoms like dizziness, double vision, headaches, and light sensitivity. By reducing these discomforts, therapeutic lenses enable you to engage more effectively in therapy and daily tasks.

In-Office Vision Therapy

During vision therapy sessions, you will work one-on-one with a trained therapist using specialized tools, including computerized visual targets, balance boards, and prisms. These exercises are designed to improve your eye coordination, tracking, and focusing abilities—skills essential for activities such as reading, driving, and performing well in sports.

At-Home Exercises

To complement your in-office therapy, your neuro-optometrist may recommend daily exercises that you can do at home. These exercises could include activities like Brock string exercises, pencil push-ups, or visual scanning drills. These tasks help reinforce neural pathways and support the ongoing adaptation of your visual system.

Multisensory Training™

Environments with excessive sensory input, like crowded spaces or noisy streets, can be overwhelming for a brain in recovery. Multisensory Training™ gradually reintroduces various stimuli, including movement, sound, and light, while guiding you through visual tasks. This training helps your brain filter distractions, promoting clear, stable vision in real-life situations.

Collaboration with Your Healthcare Team

Your neuro-optometrist will work in coordination with other healthcare professionals, including physical and occupational therapists, neurologists, speech-language pathologists, and your primary care provider. By sharing progress reports and therapy goals, the entire healthcare team ensures that all aspects of your recovery are aligned, leading to a smoother, more efficient healing process.

Why Is Neuro-Optometry Often Overlooked?

Many people who experience vision problems due to brain injuries or neurological conditions may not receive the specialized care they require. This often occurs because traditional eye exams do not detect the specific vision impairments linked to neurological issues. Patients are frequently told their eyes are healthy, despite ongoing symptoms, as many eye care professionals are not trained to recognize brain-related vision problems.

If you've been told that "your eyes are fine" but continue to experience persistent symptoms, it may be time to explore a neuro-optometric evaluation.

How Soon Will You See Results?

The recovery timeline for neuro-optometric rehabilitation varies for each individual. Some people may notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others may need more time before experiencing significant results. The key to success is addressing the root cause of your symptoms, not just the surface-level effects.

Your personalized neuro-optometric rehabilitation plan will be tailored to your unique needs, goals, and symptoms, ensuring that your treatment progresses at a pace that is most effective for your recovery.

How Do I Get Started with Neuro-Optometry?

If you think you or a loved one might benefit from neuro-optometric care: 

1. Schedule an evaluation with a neuro-optometrist. Find one at neurovisionrehab.org or covd.org.  

2. Bring a list of your symptoms, including those that don’t seem vision-related.  

3. Don’t wait! The sooner you begin care, the better your chance of full recovery.