Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association

Enhancing Neurological Recovery Through Vision Rehabilitation

2024 Annual Conference

Thursday, September 19

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).

Foundations of Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation (a.k.a. Clinical Skills Level 1)

This course will provide a foundational understanding of pathophysiology of brain injury and effects on patient function for activities of daily life (ADL). An overview ofstructure 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 will also benefit anyone starting the NORA Fellowship Process preparing to complete the Level I open book questions and NORA Concepts presentation.

Clinical Applications of Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation (a.k.a. Clinical Skills Level 2)

This course will expand attendees 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.

Extended Concepts in Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation (a.k.a. Advanced Clinical Skills)

Multi-Modal Treatment

  • (AM- 3 hours CE pending)

This course will explore common symptoms and diagnoses such as white matter disease and compression injuries that patients are likely to present in their offices and what the optometrist can do to treat them (red light therapy, syntonics, vibration, microcurrent, and multisensory devices). Cases will be discussed to highlight how optometrists can partner with other professions to deliver the best possible care and outcomes. The afternoon session will allow a “deeper dive” into the injuries and hands-on workshop to improve comfort-level of the practitioners in delivering this care in their offices.

Understanding Eye Movement Disorders - What are they and what areas of brain are affected in each

  • (PM – 3 Hours CE pending)
  1. Appropriate exam and interpretation: what data is needed (hands-on practice and demos – vendors provide equipment?) and to whom do we refer for what care?
  2. Prisms and eye movement disorders (hands-on/videos/cases/simulate movements disorders
  3. Different therapies and different speakers (vibration therapy, red light therapy, multimodal therapies with PT/OT, others?)

4:30 PM Exhibit Hall opens

Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall Starts at 5:00 Pm-7:00 Pm

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

NORA Student reception/mixer with attendees (non-alcoholic beverages provided)

Friday, September 20

8:00 AM – 9:00 A.M

Multi-Modal Optometric Management of Nystagmus

Nystagmus are involuntary, oscillatory eye movements that can either be congenital or acquired. Clinical intervention is important to improve visual function in patients with congenital nystagmus as visual acuity and contrast sensitivity can be impacted in various degrees. Additionally, there are profound psychological effects of the presence of nystagmus, of having "shifty eyes". This course will provide clinical protocol for the optometric management of the patients with nystagmus.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Neuro optometry and Injury Cases: Managing Cases with medical legal considerations.

This course will discuss experiences with medical legal cases that involve neuro optometric rehabilitation. We will discuss what to consider before taking on these cases, and how to prepare for questions that will arise. Billing and coding consideration for these cases will also be covered. In addition, we will discuss experiences interacting with legal counsel.

10:00 AM -10:45 AM Break/Exhibit Hall

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM

From claim to Payment: Mastering the Billing and Coding Workflow

During this course, healthcare professionals will delve into the recent updates and changes made by the American Medical Association (AMA) to the 99 codes, exploring their implications for billing practices and revenue generation. With a focus on using 97 codes vs. 99 codes. Attendees will gain insights into the nuances of billing within the scope of their license to optimize revenue streams effectively.

Join us for this informative course to gain practical insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of medical billing and insurance coverage, ultimately optimizing revenue and enhancing practice efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

  1. Understanding the AMA's Updates: Exploring the recent changes to the 99 codes and their impact on medical billing practices.
  2. Billing Strategies: Differentiating between billing using 99 codes versus 97 codes to maximize reimbursement and revenue.
  3. Revenue Optimization: Leveraging your scope of licensure to bill comprehensively and ethically, ensuring maximum reimbursement for services provided.
  4. Insurance Coverage Considerations: Navigating work comp insurance and auto accident insurance policies to streamline billing processes and maximize revenue.
  5. Diagnosis Code Utilization: Strategies for accurate and effective utilization of diagnosis (DX) codes to support billing claims and ensure compliance.

Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one consultations with the speaker at no charge, allowing for personalized guidance and support tailored to individual practice needs.

11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Sponsored Presentation

  • This course is not for COPE credit

12:15 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch is served in exhibit hall

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Photobiomodulation - Light Therapy for Ocular Disease and Brain Injury

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is light therapy that primarily uses red and near infra-red light to treat eye, vision, injury and general health conditions. It was formerly called low-level laser or light therapy (LLLT). This light as medicine is a safe and effective tool that is playing an ever-increasing role in treating visual conditions. It is also being researched for treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. The newest information will be presented and devices demonstrated to show PBM’s importance for treatment of AMD, glaucoma, dry eye, post cataract surgery, migraine headache, and brain injury

4:00 PM – 4:45 PM NORA General Mtg

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Talk & Trial and Network with Colleagues (food/refreshments served) Exhibit Hal

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.

5:00 PM

Poster session Opens

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

NORA Fellowship Presentations: Neuro-Optometric/Brain Injury Rehabilitation Lectures & Case Reports

  • Moderators: TBD
  • Presenters: Various NORA Fellowship Level 1 Candidates (10-12 minutes short lectures), Level 2 Candidates (18-20 minutes case reports)
  • This course is FREE to all NORA attendees; no separate registration is required
  • This course is not for COPE credit
  • Lecture and case report topics will be posted at each of the 2 rooms on the day of the presentations
  • Presenters check-in 6:00-6:15 pm

Saturday, September 21

7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

The integration of cognitive, emotional, and motor processes in the evolution of neuro-optometric therapy.

This course will demonstrate how cognitive, emotional and motor processes are integrated into vision and intimately involved in neuro visual rehabilitation. We will cover a model and definition of neuroplasticity, classifications of cognitive processes, and the human connectome. A model of laterality and motor processing through the visual system will be presented, and factors affecting motor learning will be discussed.

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM Break I Exhibit Hall

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM

Unveiling the Hidden Intricacies: Exploring the Mechanisms of Acquired Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) evaluation and treatment is a growing field within optometry. In this lecture, we will delve into the intricate web of causes contributing to acquired brain injury (ABI). With a focus on primary and secondary head injury, closed head injury and blunt trauma, cerebrovascular accidents, and concussions, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse mechanisms that can lead to this devastating condition.

11:15 AM– 12:15

Retinal Carotenoid Influence on mTBI, Neurodegeneration and Vision

Retinal carotenoids have been widely studied in the biochemical and physiologic domains for years and emerging research is showing a confluence of those effects within areas of cognitive function, visual enhancement and mTBI recovery. Burgeoning clinical techniques have allowed early detection, treatment and management of mTBI and accompanying neural pathway damage. This course will review aspects of visual function enhancement associated with retinal carotenoid supplementation, and potential for enhanced mTBI recovery based in reduction of oxidation and inflammation in neural tissues post-injury. Clinical case studies and published research projects will be reviewed in the context of current clinical care modalities.

12:15 Pm – 2:00 Pm Lunch In The Exhibit Hall.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Shifting Perspectives: Optometry as a Vital Referral Source in Concussion Care – Insights from the Updated Consensus Statement on Sport-Related Concussions

For over two decades, the Concussion in Sport Group has held meetings and developed six international statements on concussion in sport. For the first time, optometry has been included as a part of the multidisciplinary care team in these statements - this course will summarise the processes and outcomes of the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Insight into the Mind's Window: Exploring Ocular and Visual Effects of Psychiatric Medications

The use of psychiatric medications has substantially increased in the last few decades. As primary eye care providers, it is important for optometrists to understand the pharmacology as well as the potential visual and ocular adverse reactions of these medications which can range from minimal to sight threatening.

Sunday, September 22

8 :00 AM – 9:00 AM

Visual Snow Syndrome

Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is an important medical/neuro-optometric condition of increasing recognition with an estimated prevalence of 2%. Thus, it is not extremely rare as was believed years ago. Hence, it has contemporary public health and related economic concerns. The course with explain the participant of the lecture the distinction between visual snow and visual snow syndrome. It will discuss associated signs and possible etiology of the condition. Finally, it will discuss current treatment management of the visual snow and visual snow syndrome as well as appropriate referrals for interdisciplinary care.

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation: Ask The Experts (Panel discussion)

This course with 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:

  1. Testing the Neuro-Optometric Patient
  2. Treating the Neuro-Optometric Patient
  3. Working with other Neuro care professionals
  4. Hosptial-based Neuro-Optometric care
  5. Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association- How the organization can support the goals of its members by supporting Neuro-Optometric care in all settings