Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Program at Seacoast Vision Care
At Seacoast Vision Care, we provide neuro-optometric rehabilitation for patients who have visual deficits as a result of traumatic brain injuries, such as a concussion or a stroke. Neuro-optometry uses vision therapy techniques, therapeutic prisms, lenses, and/or filters in order to retrain the eyes after traumatic brain injuries.
Dr. Nathan Corbell is a neuro-optometrist and member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.
Our office does not provide vision therapy or neuro-ophthalmology care. Our providers are able to evaluate and refer for any visual conditions that may benefit from vision therapy or neuro-ophthalmology care.
Neuro-optometry vs. Neuro-ophthalmology: What’s the difference?
Neuro-ophthalmology is a subspeciality of ophthalmology and neurology which can diagnose and treat problems affecting vision which does not come from the eyes themselves.
Neuro-optometry is a specialty of optometry which uses therapeutic techniques and lens options to correct vision problems relating to traumatic brain injuries or conditions.
Neuro-optometry vs. Vision Therapy: What’s the difference?
Vision therapy is a therapeutic treatment process for those who experience visual problems such as crossed eyes, lazy eyes, double vision, reading problems, or convergence insufficiency. Vision therapy can build on the treatment plan from a neuro-optometrist who will utilize therapeutic lenses, prisms, filters, and occlusion to retrain the eyes to function properly.
What visual symptoms can be treated by Neuro-Optometry?
Neuro-optometry can treat vision symptoms as a result of a concussion or stroke.
Visual symptoms can include:
- Double vision
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Crowd sensitivity
- Balance issues
- Headaches with visual tasks
- A loss or reduction of peripheral vision
- Difficulty with reading or with eye movement
We can evaluate vision symptoms relating to learn disabilities, Lyme disease, unexplained balance issues, or reading difficulty.
Our scheduling process:
Neuro-optometry patients are scheduled with Dr. Corbell after a referral has been received and reviewed by our staff. The referral should contain information regarding the need for neuro-optometric rehabilitation, as well as demographic, insurance, and medical history information. The referral should be accompanied by any record information from additional providers that is relevant for the need for care. We cannot begin the review process until all information has been received. To send a referral, please fax all information to (207) 396-6604.
Once a referral has been reviewed, our staff will contact the patient to schedule an appointment with our provider based upon his review recommendations. This appointment may be broken down into multiple visits to accommodate any necessary vision testing and depending upon the treatment plan based upon the patient’s specific needs. This appointment cannot be scheduled from our online scheduler.
It is recommended that the patient bring someone with them to assist with the appointment, as a lot of information is given, and the appointments can be tiring for the patient. If you need certain accommodations, please make staff aware of these at scheduling.
Your first appointment:
At your initial appointment, you will be required to fill out registration paperwork, which can also be found at our website. Please bring your insurance card(s), medication list, current eyewear, and photo ID to your appointment.
During your evaluation, the provider will perform a screening of your ocular health and your visual acuity. Your medical history and the reason for your visit will be discussed. The provider may also perform additional computerized or manual vision tests to assess different aspects of your vision. An initial treatment plan and follow up visits will be discussed at the end of your visit and you will be scheduled accordingly.
Your initial appointment may not result in a new prescription for eyewear. This may take multiple visits to assess. It also may be recommended as part of your treatment plan that you routinely do vision exercises to improve eye function. If you are working with a physical or occupational therapist, please let our staff or provider know.
Additional appointments:
As a part of your treatment plan, additional visits may be required. The timeframe of these appointments will be determined by our provider.
Rehabilitation may last weeks, months, or years depending upon the severity of the symptoms, and treatment length is dependent upon a patient’s particular needs.
Cost & Insurance:
Your initial evaluation and preliminary testing will be billed to your medical insurance. This appointment cannot be billed to any vision plan, as it is medical in nature.
After your initial evaluation, our provider may recommend either (a) you enter into our neuro-optometric rehabilitation program or (b) that you return for follow up evaluations.
In the event that you enter our neuro-optometric rehabilitation program, your visits will be out of pocket and cannot be billed to your insurance, as you are part of a rehabilitation program. This program will be designed specifically to your needs.
If the provider recommends that your return for more generalized follow up evaluations and care, cost and ability to bill your insurance will be determined by the provider’s recommended treatment plan.
All costs will be discussed with you prior to your visit, and if/when insurance is billed, you are subject to all copays, coinsurance, and deductible expenses as determined by your medical insurance. Vision plans will not be billed for any neuro-optometric rehabilitation related visit. Vision plans can be billed for eyewear only, and a list of our in-network vision plans can be found on the Insurance page of our website.
We accept HSA, FSA, and Care Credit in our office.
Additional information:
Contact our office if you have additional questions. To send a referral, please fax to (207) 396-6604.
You can also visit the NORA website for additional information on neuro-optometric rehabilitation.