Neuro-optometric facilitation of vision recovery after acquired brain injury

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gottlieb, Daniel D.^{; *} | Fuhr, Amy^{; 1} | Hatch, William V.^{; 1} | Wright, Kennetha D.^{; 1}

Affiliations: Gottlieb Vision Group, Rekindle® A Program of Vision Rehabilitation and Research of Gottlieb Vision Group, Medical Center, 5462 Memorial Drive, Suite 101, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 404 296 6000. Fax: + 1 404 296 3600. E-mail: gottlieb@mindspring.com.

Note: [1] These individuals co-authored this article while fulfilling their responsibilities as student interns in vision rehabilitation at Gottlieb Vision Group.

Abstract: Visual field loss following brain injury often impairs the individual's rehabilitation, function and safety. Such impairments prevent individuals from returning to productive lifestyles. A previous article documents outcomes that measure increased awareness for patients suffering visual field loss. This research investigates and reports on increasing visual recovery, as well as functional and emotional rehabilitation outcomes, using the Visual Field Awareness System™ and treatment strategies. The three case studies represent issues including age, visual field loss, vision recovery as a dynamic process, and functional outcome measures. Measures of increased awareness, recovery of vision, relative visual field sensitivity, continued recovery even after completion of treatment, and improved emotional status with gained independence were among the positive outcome results of this research.

Keywords: Rehabilitation, Hemianopsia, Neglect, Optometry

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1998-11303

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 175-199, 1998