Neuro-Optometry Examination

A neuro-optometry examination is an in-depth look at how the eyes and the brain work together. It is an opportunity to test the important areas of how your vision functions, to see if anything might be holding you back in your recovery or your performance.

The Opto-mization Eye Exam Process

Our eye examinations go beyond clarity and eye health. We look at how your vision functions. This includes areas such as how your eyes track and work together, and how your brain processes your vision.

This allows for the diagnosis and treatment of any problems, as well as ways to improve your visual performance.

Common Conditions

Here is a list of common conditions that commonly have underlying functional vision problems and can benefit from the assessment:

Post Concussion Syndrome
Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Learning Disabilities
Meniere’s Disease
Mal de Debarquement
Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis
Stroke

Headaches/Migraines
Strabismus
Convergence Insufficiency
Amblyopia
Double Vision

Routine Care and Performance

Most people don’t realize that they could be reading faster, focusing more intently, or have more comfortable vision.

Our unique approach means that we can provide ongoing care that keeps your vision performing up to the demands of your daily life.

The Exam Process

The Opto-mization process is made up of 3 key steps

Assessment/Discovery

This is where we learn about any problems you’re experiencing and the visual demands of your daily life, and assess your visual function.

Education/Solutions

Based on your assessment there are likely some opportunities to resolve your symptoms and improve your performance. We make sure you fully understand all the options (including just monitoring).

Implementation

Whether it’s glasses, vision therapy, or simply monitoring the condition, we support you every step of the way. Our solutions are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel confident with your choices.

Why are the exams done separately?

Our exams are split into two components depending on what you need. We have the Neuro Visual Assessment and the Ocular Health Assessment.

Neuro-Visual Assessment

This involves computerized eye tracking, visual performance testing, and refraction (checking your prescription). It involves more in-depth testing of visual function than a routine eye exam.

This gives us the ability to diagnose any areas of dysfunction and determine options for treatment. The functional testing results in a specialized glasses prescription that takes into account how your eyes and brain work together.

Testing includes:

Eye tracking, Computerized tracking of eye movements, Depth perception, Eye teaming (binocularity) including vergences, Visual-vestibular integration (balance/dizziness), Visual-motor ability, Refraction (prescription to see clearly), Effect of various prescriptions and tools (including prism) on visual performance in above areas, and more…

Ocular Health Assessment

This is focused on the physical health of the eye. It is similar to the routine eye exam you are used to but does not include the refraction (glasses prescription), as that is done in the Neuro-Visual Assessment.

Testing includes:

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) 3D scans of retina and nerve
NCT (Non-Contact Tonometry) — puff of air to measure pressures

Bio-microscopy — examining your eyes with bio-microscope
Keratometry — measuring the curve of your cornea
Contact lens health check (optional)

Visual Acuities
May include visual field testing
May include dilation when necessary (able to opt-out)

Treatment

There are often several options for treatment:

Specialized Glasses Prescriptions (Ergoptics™)

These glasses prescriptions take into account how well your eyes and brain work together. Many symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, light sensitivity, focus, and even reading speed, can be improved with these specialized prescriptions. And yes, these look like normal glasses (or totally wild if you pick some really funky frames).

Vision Therapy

Vision therapy can be used to retrain how the eyes and brain work together. Think about it like recalibrating how accurately the eyes move and work together, and how the brain processes the visual information. Many people think vision is about improving the eye muscles, which is an outdated approach. Effective vision therapy is more like a person learning how to play the piano. The hands don’t necessarily get stronger, but the brain is able to control them in new ways.

Referral

Some conditions require referral to other healthcare providers who may be able to help. It is common that we pick up on vestibular, cervical, or other conditions that require co-management.

Brain Injury & Neuro Optometry

When most people think of brain health they think of having an MRI to see the parts of the brain. An MRI of the brain can show larger-scale physical damage to areas, but most MRI’s can’t show the type of damage sustained in a concussion, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or other brain injuries.
Reading & Learning

When a child is struggling with reading and learning one of the first suggestions is often to have the eyes checked. Too often the eye exam with the optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist concentrates only on seeing clearly and the physical health of the eye.
Sports Vision Testing

When looking for peak performance, it’s not enough to for vision to be working at ‘average’ levels. There are specific areas to measure and enhance that can drastically improve performance in a given sport.