(PRESS RELEASE) ST. LOUIS, MO – The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, International (NORA) recognized five practitioners for their important contributions to the field of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation, here at the Association’s 27th Annual Conference in St. Louis.
“In the United States, an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury each year, with as many as 90 percent experiencing some sort of ocular and visual dysfunction1,” said Susan Daniel, OD, president NORA. ”Clinical experience and research studies document the improved performance of patients who have completed a vision rehabilitation program. NORA is pleased to honor these five optometrists for their dedication and commitment to educating patients and health care professionals about the vital role that Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation plays in the diagnosis and treatment/rehabilitation of neurological conditions adversely affecting the visual system,” she added.
- Curt Baxstrom, MA, OD, FCOVD, FNOR, FAAO, Immediate Past president of NORA, was presented with The Advancement of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Award in recognition of his contributions to advancing the field of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation. “Through numerous lectures and publication of multiple articles, Curt has continually demonstrated his commitment to advancing and sharing the science and practice of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation with colleagues and optometry students around the word,” said Dr. Daniel.
- Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD, Dean of Research, Director of Graduate Studies, a Professor of Optometry at Salus University received The Advancement of Sciences Award. In the last 25 years, Dr. Scheiman has spent the majority of his professional time as a researcher involved in randomized clinical trials. He was the Study Chair of the seminal Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial, (CITT) the largest and most comprehensive study done to date on vision therapy, and conclusively showed that office based vision therapy is the treatment of choice for convergence insufficiency, the most common eye muscle disorder, affecting 3-5 percent of children and adults. He is currently Study Chair of the new CITT-ART study investigating the effect of vision therapy for convergence insufficiency on reading and attention.
- Eric Ikeda, OD, FCOVD, DPNAP, president of The Optometric Extension Program Foundation and a past president of NORA, was honored with NORA’s Founding Father’s Awardin recognition of his lifelong dedication to the exploration, elucidation, and enhancement of the concepts surrounding the nature of the human visual process. “In addition to lecturing lecturing locally and nationally, Eric generously dedicates time to provide in-services to various professional organizations and rehabilitation facilities, including consulting with several local school districts for children with visually related learning disabilities and children with special needs,” noted Dr. Daniel.
- Leonard Press, OD FCOVD, FAAO was presented with the William and Diana Ludlam Educators Award in recognition of his commitment to serving students and patients in the neuro-optometric rehabilitation area. “Bill and Diana Ludlam were instrumental in helping to establish neuro-optometric rehabilitation in the academic setting,” said Dr. Daniel. “Dr. Press has continued to honor their legacy by serving as an adjunct professor at the Southern College of Optometry, and private practice Residency Site Co-Supervisor in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation in New Jersey. In his capacity as Editor-in-Chief of Vision Development & Rehabilitation, he has actively cultivated articles as well as a theme issue on neuro-optometric rehabilitation.”
- DeAnn Fitzgerald, OD, VP and Education Chair, NORA, was presented by Dr. Daniel with the President’s Award for demonstrating superior service to the organization and to the field of neuro-optometric rehabilitation. “In addition to exemplary skills as a lecturer in our Clinical Skills 1 course, Dr. Fitzgerald had displayed exceptional leadership in her role as Education Chair, attracting top speakers for our last two conferences,” said Dr. Daniel.