Concussions often leave behind more than headaches and dizziness. Visual changes—like blurred focus, difficulty reading, and sensitivity to light—can last weeks or months, complicating recovery. In Calgary, Market Mall Eye Clinic is among the providers offering neuro-optometric rehabilitation to help retrain the eyes and brain. Guided by evidence-based approaches and closely linked with Alberta’s interdisciplinary concussion care pathways, these programs provide targeted assessment and therapy for post-concussion vision issues. This article explores the science, local resources, and practical questions surrounding neuro concussion optometric rehabilitation in Calgary.
Concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but its impact can be far from mild. Research shows that up to 70% of individuals with mTBI experience some form of visual disturbance. From eye teaming problems to difficulty reading, these issues can interfere with school, work, and daily life.
Optometrists trained in neuro-rehabilitation play a key role. They don’t just prescribe glasses—they assess binocular vision, eye movements, and visual processing, then design rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs. In Calgary, Market Mall Eye Clinic integrates these services into broader concussion care, working alongside vestibular physiotherapists, neurologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists.
The field is advancing quickly. Consensus statements (2022) and systematic reviews (2023–2025) support targeted vision therapy, though studies vary in quality. That nuance matters: families need realistic expectations, not promises of a quick fix. Calgary providers like Market Mall Eye Clinic have an advantage—they can align clinical practice with Alberta Health Services (AHS) pathways and leverage university-led concussion research hubs.
Calgary stands out in Canada for its structured approach to concussion pathways. A few highlights:
Specialist Link: This referral system helps family doctors and emergency physicians connect patients to the right specialists, including optometry and vestibular physiotherapy.
AHS Guidance: Alberta’s provincial concussion guidelines recommend visual and vestibular screening within the first weeks post-injury. VOMS (Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening) is often the entry point.
University of Calgary Programs: UCalgary researchers contribute to international concussion studies, strengthening local practice with global evidence.
Community Clinics: Market Mall Eye Clinic and other providers explicitly adopt Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) language, emphasizing interdisciplinary teamwork.
By tying neuro-optometric care to these existing networks, Market Mall Eye Clinic delivers not only specialized therapy but also coordinated recovery support.
Concussions disrupt how the brain processes visual input. Common post-injury issues include:
Convergence insufficiency: Difficulty aligning both eyes for near work, leading to double vision or eye strain.
Accommodative dysfunction: Trouble shifting focus between near and far objects.
Oculomotor deficits: Impaired saccades (quick jumps) and pursuits (smooth tracking).
Photophobia: Sensitivity to light, often worsened in fluorescent or digital screen environments.
Motion sensitivity: Visual-vestibular mismatch causing dizziness in busy environments.
These problems don’t always show up on a standard eye exam. That’s why specialized assessment is essential.
Neuro-optometric assessments in Calgary, such as those offered at Market Mall Eye Clinic, typically include:
Binocular Vision Testing: Measures how well the eyes work together.
Accommodative Testing: Evaluates focusing ability at different distances.
Oculomotor Evaluation: Tracks eye movement accuracy and speed.
VOMS: Screens for visual-vestibular dysfunction.
Functional Testing: Reading fluency, balance with visual input, and symptom provocation.
This structured work-up helps providers design therapy programs tailored to the patient’s specific deficits.
Treatment usually follows several tracks, often overlapping depending on patient needs:
Exercises that retrain eye movements and coordination. Patients might practice tracking moving targets, shifting focus, or aligning eyes with increasing difficulty.
Temporary prescription lenses, prism glasses, or light-filtering tints can reduce symptoms while active rehabilitation progresses.
Because visual and balance systems are linked, many patients benefit from combined vision and vestibular therapy.
Optometrists may recommend gradual screen exposure schedules, larger print, or strategic breaks to reduce visual load.
Programs often include computer-based or card-based exercises patients complete at home between clinic visits.
Recent systematic reviews (2023–2025) show that vision therapy can improve convergence, accommodative function, and reading speed after concussion. However, the quality of studies remains variable. Trials often have small sample sizes and inconsistent outcome measures.
Consensus statements emphasize two key points:
There is evidence of benefit, particularly in reducing visual symptoms and improving function.
Heterogeneity exists—patients respond differently, and more high-quality trials are needed.
Clinicians in Calgary can balance optimism with transparency, giving patients realistic expectations: progress is common, but timelines vary.
Calgary’s concussion rehabilitation network promotes team-based care. An optometrist may identify convergence insufficiency, but recovery often requires joint input from:
Vestibular physiotherapists for balance and dizziness.
Neurologists for persistent post-concussion symptoms.
Occupational therapists for return-to-work adaptations.
Psychologists for mood, anxiety, and coping strategies.
This collaborative model reflects NORA’s interdisciplinary philosophy, amplified in Calgary by Specialist Link and AHS referral pathways. Market Mall Eye Clinic exemplifies this collaborative approach by working within these local networks.
How long does vision therapy take after a concussion?
Most patients notice improvement within 8–12 weeks, though full rehabilitation can take months. Progress depends on severity, adherence, and co-occurring issues like vestibular dysfunction.
Can vision problems after concussion go away on their own?
Some resolve naturally within weeks. However, persistent symptoms beyond one month often require targeted rehabilitation.
Is vision therapy covered by insurance in Calgary?
Basic assessments may be partially covered. Extended health benefits often support optometric rehabilitation, but coverage varies.
What’s the difference between a regular optometrist and a neuro-optometrist?
A neuro-optometrist has additional training in brain-vision interactions, focusing on rehabilitation after injury rather than just prescribing corrective lenses.
Where can I access these services in Calgary?
Market Mall Eye Clinic provides concussion-focused vision care and can be accessed directly or through referral via Specialist Link.
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)
Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)
Binocular dysfunction
Convergence insufficiency
Post-concussion syndrome
Market Mall Eye Clinic
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