Brain Injury Support Group

NovaVision, Inc. today launched a free online vision test for stroke and brain injury survivors who wish to learn if a vision deficit exists as a result of their injuries.

The interactive test, available at www.helpforvisionloss.com/nvlt2 provides immediate results to people who want to learn more about their visual acuity.

NovaVision’s online test is a first stop for those who want to learn more about the impact their injuries may have on their sight and how they can improve their vision. Individuals should consider obtaining a comprehensive vision evaluation from a healthcare provider after performing the online vision test. Medical professionals who treat vision loss caused by insults to the brain include neurologists, ophthalmologists, neuro-ophthalmologists and optometrists.

More than 20 percent of Americans who survive a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffer from impaired vision. Neurological vision loss can make it difficult for individuals to perform routine tasks like driving, reading and writing, which can dramatically jeopardize their confidence and independence.

“Historically, visual field testing has not been part of the routine evaluations administered after a stroke or brain injury, yet there are millions of Americans struggling with impaired vision as a result of these experiences,” said Navroze Mehta, president and chief executive officer of NovaVision. “By offering this free vision test after stroke or brain injury, we can help people gain control of their rehabilitation.”

To help stroke and TBI survivors improve their vision, NovaVision developed Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT), an FDA-cleared medical device designed to stimulate the neurons in the brain responsible for vision. Before undergoing treatment with VRT, patients take a standard diagnostic test at a VRT Center to determine their individual visual field deficits. Shortly following, patients receive a VRT medical device, along with an individualized therapy program to perform at home. Each month, patients receive a more advanced therapy version as their vision progresses. VRT is typically performed for twenty minutes twice a day for about six months. Clinical studies presented at premiere medical meetings, such as the 2007 American Academy of Neurology Meeting and the 2007 International Stroke Conference, show that more than 70 percent of people using VRT saw vision improvements.

VRT is currently available in nearly 50 centers nationwide and more VRT centers are being added routinely. For a list of centers, please visit www.helpforvisionloss.com/centers/...
Earlier this year, the Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center announced it is providing VRT to the thousands of American soldiers returning from the war in Iraq with impaired vision due to TBI.
Posted on 11/28/07, 04:11 pm