Indications and Usage for Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT)
Vision Restoration Therapy or VRT is intended for the improvement of visual functions in patients with visual field deficits that may result from stroke or brain injury.
Diagnosis of Vision Loss Post Stroke or Brain Injury
Diagnosis of a visual field deficit can be determined a number of ways, but is most commonly diagnosed using a visual field test, which can be obtained by a patient visit to an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Visual Field test results must accompany a VRT prescription in order for the patient to be treated with Vision Restoration Therapy. For a quick assessment of possible visual field loss, patients can be directed to NovaVision's free online vision test, which will also give them a feel for the treatment.
Contraindications
Photosensitive seizure disorder, active and visually significant ocular disease, and significant cognitive deficits may interfere with the ability to effectively complete VRT.
Dosage
It is recommended that a patient receive a prescription for 1 session twice daily x 90 days with 1 refill or 180 days of therapy. Doctors may decide to prescribe additional or different treatment, as many patients have benefited from up to 12 months of therapy
Contact information for NovaVision Patient Services should accompany the VRT prescription since the prescription can only be filled by NovaVision, Inc. The prescription, visual field test results, eye exam report, and payment arrangement will be required before the medical device is sent to the patient.
Follow-up
Therapy Reports will be sent to the patient's prescribing doctor. Follow-up visits are recommended to review patient's progress and determine additional therapy.
An Ideal Candidate For Vision Restoration Therapy Has:
- Partial vision loss due to brain injury
- No physical damage to the eye
- No major cognitive impairments
- Best corrected visual acuity of at least 20/200 in the better eye.
- The ability to sit upright and focus on a task for 15-30 minutes
- Motivation toward rehabilitation
- Ongoing support from friends or family
Patient Start-Up Process
The patient should first take NovaVision's online screening test to confirm that he or she can perform VRT and understands what the therapy entails. After this has been completed, the patient should call NovaVision to learn where to go for an evaluation and prescription.
Patients (or their doctors) may find someone who can prescribe VRT by consulting the Physician Directory page, by visiting a VRT Advanced Care Center or by asking the neuro-ophthalmologist, ophthalmologist, optometrist, neurologist, or physiatrist who has been responsible for his or her care.
Please consider three points when selecting a doctor or center to visit:
- VRT treats the visual system and requires that the patient possess certain levels of visual skills and eye health. Before beginning VRT, NovaVision requires a basic eye exam form be completed along with a visual field test. The patient may schedule these exams with their eye doctor or have the form filled out by their doctor based on a recent eye exam..
- Unless the patient decides to go to an Advanced VRT Care Center, he or she is expected to be able to get started with testing at home without assistance from a medical professional. Securing the help of a loved one or caretaker should be appropriate for most patients; for more information, see Advanced VRT Care Centers.
- Many healthcare professionals are currently unaware of VRT or unfamiliar with the recent studies in visual neuroplasticity research.,
Regardless of who you choose, patients are encouraged to speak with their doctors about VRT so that they are informed.
Ultimately the patient should schedule an appointment with the doctor to evaluate their candidacy. After candidacy has been confirmed and a prescription is written, the patient should send in the prescription, eye exam results, patient agreement and payment to:
NovaVision - Client Services - at 3651 FAU Blvd Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33431
NovaVision will call to notify the patient of the status and receipt of materials. Once the device is delivered to the patient's home, the patient should set aside an hour to set up the device, watch a short video tutorial and take a test to help NovaVision customize the therapy. A few days later, the patient will receive notification when the therapy is ready. The patient should create a therapy schedule and begin their twice-daily therapy regimen as soon as possible. The therapy will be updated regularly based on the patient's deficit and progress with the treatment.
More Information about Vision loss Post Stroke or TBI and the Therapy
You may also view common questions and answers on NovaVision's VRT FAQs or contact NovaVision at 1.866.663.0800 or through NovaVision's email form.