*New to NORA? "Professional" for MD, OD, DC, PhD. "Allied Professional" for OT, PT, SLP, VT, CBIS, MSW, etc.
Clinical Skills 1A is a didactic pre-course to Clinical Skills 1B. 1A will be offered in 2-hour increments in the 3 months leading up to the Annual Conference (exact dates to be announced). Clinical Skills Level 1A will be PRERECORDED, so that you can watch it and take a test at the end as and when you have time.
It is a Pre-requisite to 1B, meaning you should complete the online portion BEFORE arriving at the conference. Clinical Skills 1B will be Thursday, September 18, in-Person;
1A will provide a foundational understanding of pathophysiology of brain injury and effects on patient function for activities of daily life (ADL). An overview of structure to function mapping in the brain, visual processing and key components of neuro-optometric rehabilitation (NOR) will be reviewed, as well as the roles of other professionals in rehabilitation, such as, but not limited to, occupational therapy and physical therapy
1A Block 1 Available in July
1A Block 2 Available in July
1A Block 3 Available in August
Morning sessions will run from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM (with ½ hour break). Lunch will be served from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. Afternoon sessions will run from 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM (with ½ hour break).
This hybrid 12-hour course will provide a foundational understanding of pathophysiology of brain injury and effects on patient function for activities of daily life (ADL). An overview of structure to function mapping in the brain, visual processing and key components of neuro-optometric rehabilitation (NOR) will be reviewed, as well as the roles of other professionals in rehabilitation, such as, but not limited to, occupational therapy and physical therapy. This course is designed to introduce key concepts in NOR to practitioners who have little to no experience with NOR but are interested in offering at least basic NOR care to their patients or collaborating with an appropriate optometrist in rehabilitative care.
This course is required for anyone starting the NORA Fellowship Process preparing to complete the Level I open book questions and NORA Concepts presentation. The first six hours will be provided via three virtual sessions of 2 hours each. The remaining six hours will be an in-person meeting including hands-on demonstrations. The in-person component is typically held the first day of the NORA Annual Conference; alternative in-person meetings may be scheduled in the future and announcements will be made through the NORA mailing list and website.
This course will expand attendee’s ability to implement treatment for patients who present with neurologically based vision challenges. A series of case histories including patient history, initial evaluation, diagnoses, collaborative treatment plan and rehabilitation program will be reviewed as a model for both how to provide care in a team approach, and also for forming teams of rehabilitation professionals in one’s geographic area. Attendees will leave feeling more proficient and confident with beginning or continuing to treat those who will benefit from NOR, and when to refer for visual evaluation.
This session offers a deeper dive into managing complex neurological cases in optometric practice, including white matter disease, compression injuries, and symptoms related to TBI, ABI, and progressive conditions.
The morning will focus on integrating cutting-edge therapies such as red-light therapy, syntonics, vibration, microcurrent, and multisensory devices.
In the afternoon, participants will examine the strengths and limitations of advanced imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, and SPECT; review prescribing strategies; and explore collaborative care models.
Engaging case discussions and a hands-on workshop will support clinical decision-making and increase practitioner confidence in applying these tools in everyday care.
Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall
NORA Student Reception/Mixer with Attendees
8:00 AM – 11:30 A.M (1/2-hour break | Exhibit hall 10:15-10:45)
Dizziness is one of the most common—and complex—symptoms encountered in neurorehabilitation. This session brings together experts from optometry, chiropractic, and physical therapy to explore the diverse origins of dizziness and the collaborative strategies that lead to effective treatment. Presenters will examine visual, vestibular, and cervicogenic contributors to dizziness, including how upper cervical dysfunction, visual processing deficits, and sensory integration challenges can converge in patients with TBI, ABI, and other neurological conditions.
Attendees will gain insight into differential diagnosis, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based interventions from each discipline’s perspective. Real-world cases will demonstrate how coordinated care can improve outcomes for patients struggling with dizziness and instability.
12:45 PM – :1:45 PM
1:45PM -4:15 PM (1/2-hour break | Exhibit Hall 2:45-3:15)
Representatives from Craig’s Hospital OD, PT, OT, will present 20-minute sessions then sit for a 20-minute panel
1:45PM -4:15PM (1/2-hour break | Exhibit Hall 3:00-3:30)
4:15PM-5:15PM
5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Take advantage of this opportunity to spend dedicated time with our exhibitors, learning about and gaining first-hand experience with a vast array of products, programs, and services that can help you build and enhance your practice.
7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
8-00AM-11:30AM (9:30-10:00 Break | Exhibit Hall)
Panel Moderated by William Padula, OD, SFNA, FNORA, FAAO
This interactive 3-hour session brings together a lens specialist and four experienced neuro-optometrists to explore the nuanced and highly individualized use of prism in neuro-optometric rehabilitation.
The session opens with a lens expert covering the principles of prism design, prescribing considerations, and practical tips and tricks for achieving successful clinical outcomes—especially in complex TBI cases. From optical properties to patient-specific adjustments, attendees will learn why subtle differences in prescribing can yield dramatically different results.
Next, four leading optometrists will briefly introduce their background in prism use and present 1–2 real-world cases illustrating how they apply prism in their daily neuro-rehab practice—highlighting the variability, creativity, and precision that effective prism work demands.
The session concludes with a 30-minute moderated Q&A, where panelists will address audience questions, discuss challenging cases, and compare perspectives on clinical decision-making.
1:00 PM-1:30 PM
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM(1/2-hour break
This session explores the growing role of light-based therapies in neuro-optometric rehabilitation for concussion and traumatic brain injury. Presenters will cover the science and clinical applications of transcranial photo biomodulation, Optometric phototherapy, and low-level laser therapies such as gamma light, and EVA Light. Topics will include mechanisms of action, current research (including MIT’s work on gamma-frequency light), and how these modalities may influence eye movements, cognition, and visual processing in brain-injured patients.
4:30PM-5:00 PM
7:30-9:30 PM
Attire Semi-Formal
Fellow recognition and Awards
9:00-10:00
10:15-11:45
This course will discuss a series of topics in Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation with the opportunity to ask members of the Board of NORA questions and get answers by the group of experts. Topics to be covered are audience driven.
