| There is a newly developed medical discipline to | | | | may cause double vision, loss of balance, fatigue, |
| address visual disorders associated with neurological | | | | headaches, and loss of concentration. |
| imbalances. This discipline brings neurology and | | | | Treating plans are individualized through various |
| optometry closer together helping patients with visual | | | | techniques. One of the techniques uses specific |
| disorders resulting from neurological trauma and/or | | | | wavelengths of light to affect change. Research has |
| neurological dysfunction. In 1990, the | | | | shown that many neurological conditions are related |
| Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) | | | | to specific wavelengths of the visual light spectrum. |
| was formed and currently retains 329 member | | | | Controlling the patient’s exposure to specific |
| physicians. | | | | wavelengths can have a therapeutic result. Trained |
| The role of optometrists as primary care physicians | | | | eye care professionals can manipulate these |
| has dramatically increased over the last few decades. | | | | wavelengths to the needs of the individual. Light |
| The standard of care for routine eye examinations | | | | entering the eye excites receptors that both |
| has evolved to include a much higher level of decision | | | | synapse with nerves of the visual cortex and nerves |
| making and a greater responsibility in coordinating | | | | of the pineal and pituitary glands. Endocrine function is |
| care with other health care practitioners. Schools of | | | | directly related to light. So are many other systemic |
| Optometry have expanded their curriculum in | | | | functions. |
| pharmacology, neurology, and general medicine. | | | | NeuroChroma Inc. was founded in 2010 to train |
| Coordination of care has increased between | | | | professionals treating neurological dysfunction in the |
| optometrists and other health care providers resulting | | | | use of wavelength specific filters. By controlling the |
| in better patient care. Many more optometrists are | | | | frequencies of light entering the eye, neurological |
| specializing in neuro-optometry. | | | | changes occur. These changes are not just visual |
| Changes in vision is one of the frequent symptoms | | | | changes. Physiological changes occur with the control |
| patients report as a reason for seeking medical care. | | | | of light wavelengths. This treatment has been |
| Because optometrists are better trained and because | | | | developed through a coordination of efforts through |
| persons with neurological disorders often include | | | | Developmental Optometry, Visual Rehabilitation |
| changes in vision, optometry and neurology have | | | | Optometry, Neurology and Psychology. Health care |
| developed stronger ties. More optometrists are | | | | can now include this new treatment modality for |
| trained to treat neurological vision disorders such as | | | | neurological dysfunction . This new technique provides |
| vision loss from stroke and head trauma. With these | | | | a new view on both vision disorders and neurological |
| types of neurological disorders, the ability to read is | | | | dysfunction. Visit NeuroChroma to learn more about |
| frequently lost. Visual field losses affect navigation, | | | | the Neuro-Optemetric Rehabilitation Association and |
| driving, orientation and balance. Eye muscle imbalances | | | | NeuroChroma. |