(PRESS RELEASE) MANALAPAN, NJ – The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, International (NORA) announced the addition of six new members to its Advisory Board at the Association’s 27th Annual Conference in St. Louis.
“Our new Advisory Board members bring a rich mix of backgrounds and experiences that will help NORA increase public and professional awareness and understanding of the need for and where to find Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation services, advance professional knowledge and understanding of Neuro-Optometric care, and encourage an interdisciplinary team approach among all professionals who provide rehabilitative services to individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury,” says NORA president, Susan Daniel, O.D.
Joining the Advisory Board are:
- Tanya Polec, O.D., FCOVD, is a Neuro-Optometric Concussion specialist at VQ Learning Sports Rehab in North Central Tucson, AZ, where she specializes in treating a wide range of visual system issues that are caused by traumatic brain injury. Polec received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and then continued her education at the Southern College of Optometry, followed by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, where she became a Fellow in 2005. She is a vision consultant for Sports Medicine Rehabilitation and Concussion Center (SPARCC) and works with University of Arizona athletes as well as members of the United States Army from Fort Huachuca.
- Hannu Laukkanen, OD MEd FAAO FCOVD-A, is Professor Emeritus of Optometry and teaches graduate courses in Pacific University’s Vision Science, Education and International programs. As a charter member of Pacific’s internationally recognized Vision Performance Institute, his past research has resulted in dozens of published articles in scientific journals as well as book chapters. Laukkanen has presented hundreds of scientific lectures and courses to health professionals from many different disciplines at conferences and medical facilities internationally and in the U.S. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Northwest Congress of Optometry, and President of Brain-Injury Connections-Northwest (support organization for brain injury). He has earned Academic Fellowship with College of Optometrists in Vision Development and Fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry, in addition to several national awards for his service.
- Jill Schulz, O.D., FAAO, is in practice at Bright Eyes Vision Clinic in Minnetonka and Otsego, Minnesota. Schultz obtained her Doctorate of Optometry degree with honors from Pacific University College of Optometry and completed a residency fellowship in Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy from the Southern California College of Optometry. Her interests and experience include pediatric eyecare, binocular vision, pediatric and adult strabismus, pediatric contact lens fitting, neuro-rehabilitative optometry and evaluation of those with special needs. Schultz serves on the MOA Children’s Vision Committee, is a former Minnesota Optometric Association board member and a Clinical Director of the Special Olympics Opening Eyes Program. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, College of Optometrists for Vision Development, and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. She is also an Adjunct Clinical Professor and Residency Director affiliated with Pacific University College of Optometry.
- Shirley Ha, O.D., FCOVD is a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science and a Board-certified Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Therapy. Ha is Director of Membership for Canadian Optometrists in Vision Development & Rehabilitation, a non-profit organization that provides vision therapy continuing education to optometrists and raises awareness of vision therapy and rehabilitation through public and government advocacy across Canada. Ha served on the Ontario Association of Optometrists Board of Directors from 1999 to 2006 and held the position of OAO President in 2004-2005. She is also a contributing member of the Questions Committee for the Optometry Examining Board of Canada, as well as a Clinical Skills Assessor to verify skills competencies through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.
- Patti Andrich, MA, OTR/L, COVT, CINPP is an occupational therapist at the Vision Development Team in Royalton, Ohio. She is known for her success in treating individuals with difficulties in visual-motor, visual-perceptual, auditory perception and vestibular functioning. Andrich received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University College of Education and her occupational therapy degree from the Cleveland State University Department of Health Sciences. She is a certified vision therapist, member of The Optometric Extension Program as well as the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the recipient of several honors and awards and has been a guest speaker for local, state, national and international conferences.
- Gina Kim, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS is the Lead Therapist/Occupational therapist at the Centre for Neuro Skills, a post-acute brain injury clinic in Encino, CA. Kim received her BS in Microbiology from San Diego StateUniversity, and earned her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Kim is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, International (NORA) is an inter-disciplinary group of professionals dedicated to providing patients who have physical or cognitive disabilities as a result of an acquired brain injury with a complete ocular health evaluation and optimum visual rehabilitation education and services to improve their quality of life. For more information, visit www.noravisionrehab.org. Follow NORA on Facebook, Linked In and Twitter (@noravisionrehab).