A young student came into our clinic struggling with focus, headaches, and poor balance after a mild concussion on the playground. He was bright and motivated—but something just didn’t feel right. His pediatrician had cleared him, yet reading remained a challenge, and screen time left him exhausted.
At Dr. Zeiler’s clinic in Caledonia, we recognized these signs immediately. They pointed to a vision issue that had nothing to do with needing glasses. The answer? Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy—a powerful tool for helping children recover their visual function after a brain injury.
What Is Neuro-Optometric Rehab?
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is a specialized therapy that focuses on retraining the visual system after it’s been disrupted by neurological trauma. This could include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Strokes
- Developmental delays
- Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis
The therapy uses a personalized program of visual exercises, lenses, and sometimes prisms to help patients improve how their brain and eyes work together. Think of it as physical therapy—but for the visual system.
Why It Matters for Children
Children’s brains are still developing, which means early intervention can have a huge impact. After a concussion or head injury, many kids experience subtle vision issues that can affect:
- Reading comprehension
- Focus and attention
- Hand-eye coordination
- Balance and movement
- Mood and confidence
And because kids often don’t know how to explain what they’re feeling, these symptoms are frequently overlooked or misattributed to behavior or learning problems.
At our Caledonia practice, we specialize in identifying these hard-to-spot issues using advanced diagnostic tools and experience in pediatric care.
Common Signs Your Child Might Need Neuro-Optometric Rehab
If your child has experienced a head injury or neurological event, watch for these signs:
- Avoids reading or homework
- Complains of double or blurred vision
- Becomes dizzy or nauseated in busy environments
- Struggles to maintain balance or coordination
- Is more irritable or anxious than usual
- Covers one eye to read or concentrate
These symptoms are not "just in their head." They often stem from impaired visual processing, and neuro-optometric rehab can help.
What to Expect at Dr. Zeiler’s Office
Our process starts with a comprehensive visual evaluation that goes beyond a standard eye exam. We assess:
- Eye tracking and teaming
- Visual processing speed
- Peripheral awareness
- Focus and depth perception
Based on the results, we create a custom rehab plan tailored to your child’s needs. Therapy may include:
- Targeted visual exercises
- Special lenses or prism glasses
- Balance and coordination activities
Treatment is designed to be both effective and kid-friendly, encouraging engagement while restoring vital visual functions.
Supporting Your Child’s Vision Progress
As a parent, your involvement matters. Encourage practice at home, track progress, and communicate openly with your child and care team. Small improvements—like reading longer without frustration or returning to sports—signal big wins in recovery.
At Dr. Zeiler’s Caledonia office, we partner with families to make sure kids feel supported, understood, and empowered during their rehab journey.
Empower Your Child’s Recovery at Dr. Zeiler’s Clinic in Caledonia
Your child deserves to feel confident and capable again. If your child is showing signs of visual struggles after a concussion or neurological condition, neuro-optometric rehab could be the key to helping them succeed—in the classroom, on the field, and in everyday life.
Schedule a Neuro-Optometric Assessment in Caledonia
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Book a neuro-optometric evaluation with Dr. Zeiler in Caledonia. With expert care, advanced technology, and a child-friendly approach, we’re here to help your child regain clear, comfortable, and confident vision.