(PRESS RELEASE) MANALAPAN, NJ – The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, International (NORA) announced the launch of its redesigned website and new domain name, www.noravisionrehab.org, dedicated to educating patients, caregivers, and health care professionals about neurological recovery and vision rehabilitation.
It is estimated that over 10 million Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) occur annually across the globe and that over 57 million people have been hospitalized with a TBI during their lifetime.1 In the United States, an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a TBI each year2. Yet, according to a recently published study, many patients with mild traumatic brain injury and concussion aren’t given educational information about their injury and may not receive adequate follow up-care in spite of experiencing debilitating post-concussive symptoms.
‘Visual problems are often overlooked during initial treatment of a brain injury and in some cases symptoms may not be present until sometime following the injury” says NORA president Susan Daniel, OD. “Studies show that 90 percent of TBI patients suffer from visual dysfunctions4 such as, but not limited to, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, reading difficulty, headaches with visual tasks, reduction or loss of visual field, and difficulties with eye movements. Early diagnosis to determine the cause of the vision change can lead to appropriate treatment and/or referral to a Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Optometrist for diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions adversely affecting the visual system.”
The newly designed site includes an expanded Patients & Caregivers section, offering information about the effect of brain injuries on vision, common vision problems and symptoms following a brain injury, types of treatments, tips for managing vision problems associated with brain injuries, and a Find a Provider feature to help those in need find a Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Optometrist or other health care professional to assist them in their rehabilitation.
“Often one type of rehabilitation is not enough to address all the needs of a person who has experienced a brain injury” adds NORA vice president DeAnn Fitzgerald, OD. “An interdisciplinary, integrated team approach can play a vital role in the rehabilitation of patients with concussions, stroke or other neurological deficits as a result of a tumor, aneurism, meningitis, cerebral palsy, or other medical conditions.” Additional resources are available through the site’s Patient and Professional Resources sections which offer links to organizations that can provide more information.
Healthcare professionals can also use the website as a tool for enhancing patient care. “NORA is committed to advancing professional knowledge and understanding of Neuro-Optometric care and we are working on updating our Healthcare Professional section to include more educational information to further develop the clinical skills and knowledge for those working in the field of rehabilitation,” adds Dr. Fitzgerald.