NORA President Says Patients Benefit From Collaborative Care Approach
NORA President DeAnn M. Fitzgerald, OD, wrote in Modern Optometry (6/15) about “the importance of an interdisciplinary, integrated team approach in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients with concussion, stroke, or other neurologic deficits.” She “spoke with two colleagues from the allied health professions who collaborate with neuro-optometrists in the care of patients with brain injuries.” Dr. Fitzgerald concluded, “I completely agree with my colleagues that neuro-rehabilitation is a team sport. And for optometrists, there are many ways to participate on the team.” But “regardless of the model for care, it is incumbent on all of us to communicate with and work in concert with other disciplines. Ultimately, patients will benefit from this collaborative care approach.”
The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association stresses the importance of an interdisciplinary, integrated team approach in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients with concussion, stroke, or other neurologic deficits. Given the importance of vision to the brain and the high incidence of visual and perceptual dysfunctions after brain injury, a neuro-optometrist should be considered an essential part of the rehabilitation team for patients with these conditions. Moreover, anyone who treats brain injury patients should be able to refer to a wide range of professionals, including occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), neurologists, chiropractors, psychologists, speech therapists, athletic trainers, and other allied health professionals.
AT A GLANCE
Neuro-optometry should be considered an essential part of the rehabilitation team for patients with brain injury.
Such teams may involve a wide range of professionals, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, neurologists, chiropractors, psychologists, speech therapists, athletic trainers, and other allied health professionals.
All members of the team should follow scope-of-practice guidelines established by their state or provincial regulatory boards.