Neuro Optometric Assessments for Concussion and Head Injury

Neuro-Optometric Assessments for Concussion & Head Injury

Proudly offered at our Dalby and Chinchilla Practice

Understanding the Link Between Vision and Head Injury

A concussion or head injury can disrupt the complex communication pathways between your brain and your visual system. Even if you don’t notice obvious changes in your eyesight, subtle visual dysfunctions can significantly impact your recovery, leading to persistent symptoms like headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, reading problems, and increased sensitivity to light and motion.

A Neuro-Optometric Assessment is a specialized eye examination that goes beyond standard vision testing. It focuses on evaluating how your brain and eyes are working together after a concussion or head injury. Our certified optometrists in Dalby have the expertise to identify these subtle visual-motor and visual-cognitive deficits that can hinder your rehabilitation.

Why is a Neuro-Optometric Assessment Important After a Concussion or Head Injury?

Early and accurate assessment of visual function is crucial for effective recovery:

• Identifying Underlying Issues: It helps pinpoint specific visual problems that may be contributing to your ongoing symptoms.
• Guiding Rehabilitation: The assessment provides valuable information for developing a personalized vision therapy or rehabilitation plan.
• Monitoring Progress: Follow-up assessments allow us to track your recovery and adjust treatment as needed.
• Improving Daily Function: Addressing visual deficits can alleviate symptoms and improve your ability to return to work, school, sports, and everyday activities.
• Reducing Strain: Uncorrected visual problems can put extra strain on your brain, potentially prolonging recovery.

What Does a Neuro-Optometric Assessment Involve?

Your comprehensive assessment at our Dalby practice will include a variety of tests that evaluate different aspects of your visual system and its connection to your brain. These may include:

• Detailed Visual History: We’ll discuss your injury, symptoms, and how your vision has been affected.
• Visual Acuity Testing: Checking your clarity of vision at different distances.
• Refraction: Determining your precise prescription for glasses, if needed.
• Ocular Motility Assessment: Evaluating how your eyes move together, track objects, and shift gaze. This includes tests for convergence (eye teaming for near vision), divergence, and saccades (rapid eye movements).
• Binocular Vision Assessment: Checking how well your eyes work together as a team to create a single, clear image and assess depth perception.
• Accommodation Assessment: Evaluating your ability to focus clearly at different distances.
• Visual Field Testing: Checking the extent of your peripheral vision.
• Photosensitivity Assessment: Determining your sensitivity to different light levels.
• Vestibular-Ocular Reflex (VOR) Screening: Assessing the coordination between your eyes and balance system.
• Visual-Motor Integration Testing: Evaluating how well your eyes and hands work together.
• Visual Information Processing Assessment: Assessing how efficiently your brain processes visual information.

Based on the findings of your assessment, our optometrist will discuss the results with you and recommend a personalized management plan. This may include specialized glasses, vision therapy exercises, environmental modifications, or referrals to other healthcare professionals as needed.

Who Can Benefit from a Neuro-Optometric Assessment?

Individuals in Dalby and surrounding areas who have experienced:

• Concussion (sports-related or other causes)
• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
• Head Injury from accidents or falls
• Whiplash or neck injuries with associated visual symptoms

Even if your injury occurred some time ago and you are still experiencing persistent visual symptoms, a neuro-optometric assessment can provide valuable insights and guide your recovery.

Take the first step towards visual recovery and improved well-being. Contact our Dalby and Chinchilla practice today to schedule your Neuro-Optometric Assessment for Concussion or Head Injury.