The Mind-Eye Institute is recognized worldwide for its work in neuro-optometric rehabilitation, including assessment of “retinal processing.” Intact retinal processing enables people to understand and interact appropriately with the world around them. It also allows their brain to determine whether surroundings are safe, and it links light input with circadian sleep rhythms and neurotransmitter levels. If brain circuitry is out of sync, however, because it has been disrupted by injury or disease or is simply under-developed, people can become confused about their surrounding environment and exhibit inappropriate reactions and responses.
The team at the Mind-Eye Institute helps patients rebuild visual skills – or develop new ones. The mind-eye connection is unique to each person’s processing system and experiences. Neuro-optometric rehabilitation uses mind-eye testing – versus conventional eye health and eyesight testing – to prescribe therapeutic eyeglasses and other optometric interventions on an individualized basis. Those interventions are designed to balance sensory systems. The balanced systems calm the nervous system, allowing the person to interact with their environment and think more clearly.
How does Mind-Eye testing differ from other optometric evaluation methods?
Most standard optometric evaluations rely on a system developed in the 1800’s. This 150-year-old testing system addresses only the clearness – 20/20 – of central eyesight by having the patient consciously look at non-moving targets across a darkened room. But, only about six percent of visual awareness comes from this kind of conscious focus on specific objects (see white ray in the diagram below). The majority of environmental signals passing through our retinas emanate from peripheral space – the space all around us (note the blue and green fields in the diagram). Yet, peripheral sight is rarely evaluated.
The Mind-Eye Institute does not use central (20/20) eyesight as an endpoint; we evaluate comfort of peripheral eyesight and eye-ear balance, as well as hand-eye coordination and visual perceptual skills. Comprehensive evaluation includes measurements of visual performance, visual processing capabilities and sensory integration with other body systems. The goal is to find optimal ways of lessening symptoms or
What kinds of patients does the Mind-Eye Institute assess?
The Mind-Eye Institute helps patients 1) redevelop visual skills during recovery from debilitating symptoms of brain injuries, concussions and other neurological disorders, including stroke, and 2) build new skills in patients who have been labeled with “learning, sensory integration or developmental delay problems,” such as ADHD and dyslexia. Mounting scientific research and clinical experience demonstrate that using an individualized mix of therapeutic lenses, filters and prisms to vary the way light disperses across a patient’s retina – particularly the peripheral retina – can influence brain wiring in ways that may be useful in rehabilitation.
How young is the youngest patient evaluated?
The Mind-Eye Institute will test patients as young as four months of age. The intent is to assess potential warning signs, before the child starts developing bad habits in visual skills that are required in life (depth perception, reaching for objects, and sitting up).
What does Mind-Eye testing include?
Kinds of testing performed will depend on patient needs. However, a comprehensive, first-appointment visual-processing evaluation is likely to consist of a refractive examination to check eyesight, including aiming, focusing and eye-teaming abilities; assessment of eye movement control at conscious, subconscious and unconscious levels; and a spatial awareness analysis, using Mind-Eye Institute’s patented Z-Bell Test℠. The Z-Bell Test℠ is a revolutionary method of checking a patient’s overall awareness of surrounding space and his or her integration of visual processing with awareness of auditory space.
Contact lens wearers are tested in two ways: with and without contact lenses. We also assess pupil function, internal visualization, various visual perceptual skills and tolerance levels to changes in visual space. Of course, eye health is also assessed, including testing for glaucoma and confrontation visual fields. If further testing is required, we have an ocular coherence tomography instrument with angiography capabilities (somewhat like an MRI for the eyeball) and corneal topography to assess any deteriorations on the corneal surface. This is in addition to ocular photography of the inside or outside of the eyes. Each person is tested on the basis of what they need; not all people require all testing.
What kind of health insurance does the Mind-Eye Institute accept?
Because of the nature of Mind-Eye’s unique tests and advanced procedures, many elements of the examination are not covered under standard health insurance plans. Following your initial appointment, you will receive an itemized invoice, listing optometric procedure, diagnosis and therapeutic codes. You can then submit this information to your insurance carrier for evaluation and full or partial reimbursement, depending on your coverage plan. Our patient care advocates can assist you through this process.
For more information, please go to www.mindeye.com or call us at 847-501-2020
