Neuro-Optometry

2 credits (3 ECTS Credits)

Introduction

This course will cover specific strategies for treating patients with acquired and/or traumatic brain injuries.

Course Structure

The course includes access to 20 hours of pre-recorded lectures, divided into specific topics. After viewers have viewed 10 hours of the lectures, a live Zoom session will be held with the professor to discuss key issues and answer any questions. A second Zoom session will be held at the conclusion of the course.

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing the course, participants will be able to:

Describe the mechanics of brain injury and the relevant neurology
Identify the causes of visual problems arising from brain injury
Provide appropriate treatment for visual dysfunction associated with brain injury.

Topics Covered

History taking of the ABI/TBI patient
Mechanisms of stroke and embolism formation
Blast injuries
Glutamate and the brain
Areas of the brain that are responsible for key areas of visual function
Relationship between symptoms and signs and neurology of the brain
Detecting matches and mismatches between the known damage to the brain and the functions as seen during testing.
Vision problems resulting from brain injury: Strabismus, Ocular motor, Visual perception, Visual field, Binocularity/Accommodation, Headaches/Asthenopia
Short and long-term treatment for ABI conditions
Off-site patient care
Measurement of strabismus angles in the ABI population
Use of Fresnel prisms in the hospital/ABI population
Dealing with inability to fuse
Blindsight
Neglect and unilateral special inattention- USI: Diagnosis
Peli and Gottlieb prism application
Adaptation of VT activities for the ABI population
How to write a report for the many different conditions and people who work with head injury?
Multi-disciplinary treatment of patients: the optometrist as part of the medical team