VT to Treat Concussion-related Vision Problems
By Linda Conlin, Pro to Pro Managing Editor

Convergence insufficiency is a common condition following a concussion. Convergence insufficiency is a vision disorder in which the eyes can’t turn inward together when looking at close-up objects, like tablets and smartphones. The condition is caused by a lack of communication between the nerves and the muscles that control eye movements. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision and double vision. Previously, recovery from concussion-related convergence insufficiency was by waiting for the condition to resolve on its own, but it was rarely achieved. Now, the American Optometric Association reported a study that found office-based vergence/accommodative therapy with movement (OBVAM) yields stronger results. (https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/diseases-and-conditions/vision-therapy-yields-faster-recovery-from-concussion-related-eye-condition)

OBVAM is a specialized, active vision rehabilitation therapy designed to treat convergence insufficiency and focusing problems that occur after a concussion. Therapy sessions are guided by a trained therapist in a clinical setting. It targets the eyes' ability to turn inward (convergence) and focus at near (accommodation). Unlike traditional vision therapy, OBVAM incorporates head and body movement while performing visual tasks to better mimic real-life activity and improve sensorimotor integration. The therapy consists of 12 to 16 one-hour in-office sessions, typically twice a week, combined with home-based exercises.

The CONCUSS randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of OBVAM with delayed therapy for concussion-related convergence insufficiency. The 106 study participants ranged in age from 11 to 25 and had persistent post-concussive symptoms from four to 24 weeks after their injury. Study participants were randomized into two groups: those who would receive immediate OBVAM twice weekly for six weeks and those whose OBVAM would be delayed for six weeks after enrollment. After six weeks, 79% of the participants in the immediate group had improved concussion-related convergence insufficiency symptoms, compared with just 13% of the delayed group.

In the study’s second phase, the delayed group received twice-weekly OBVAM for eight weeks, while the immediate group received an additional two weeks of twice-weekly OBVAM. Participants were reassessed after each group received 16 OBVAM sessions. At that time, 81% were classified as a success, and 95% were classified as improved. There was no statistically significant difference between the immediate and delayed groups’ findings, indicating that OBVAM will benefit a patient similarly whether implemented immediately or after a six-week delay.
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that about 7 out of 10 emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) and concussions are among children ages 17 and under. Contact sports, including football, basketball, and soccer, are associated with 45% of all emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs and concussions among children ages 17 and under. In addition, bicycling and playground activities also are associated with high numbers of emergency department visits for TBIs and concussions among children. When those injuries result in convergence insufficiency, school, work and sports are affected. This study provides evidence that concussion-related vision problems can be effectively treated with office-based vision therapy, and early intervention leads to a quicker return to activities.

Nicole Edwards, Manager Consultation & Customer Service, Bausch + Lomb
Title: The Ins and Outs of Advanced Scleral Fitting 

Description: Scleral lenses have improved the lives of patients and enriched the lives of practitioners who fit them. 
This course will cover the scleral lens fitting process as well as lens evaluation and troubleshooting scleral lens fits.
Dual Sag lenses, Toric multifocal, and using Micro Vaults/Notches will also be discussed.

Michael Gatti, Sr. Mgr. Professional Engagement, HOYA Vision Care
Title: Vision Beyond Vision

Description: Experience examples of real-world magic that expose the unseen forces guiding your decisions and patient interactions. You’ll discover how awareness of your own perception can transform the patient’s experience, build trust, and elevate your recommendations. Expect to leave with a new perspective on how you think, lead, and connect.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate how easily perception can be influenced
• Describe cognitive and emotional biases
• Integrate bias awareness into daily practice

Kelli Koenigsberg, Director of Education, Walman Optical
Title: Delivering 5-Star Eyecare: How to Turn Satisfied Patients into Raving Fans

Description: In today’s competitive eyecare landscape, great service isn’t enough—it’s the experience that sets your practice apart. This course explores how to transform everyday patient interactions into moments that inspire loyalty, trust, and enthusiastic referrals.

You will learn proven communication techniques, customer service principles, and team strategies that elevate the patient journey from good to exceptional.

Walk away with tools to strengthen relationships, enhance satisfaction, and create true fans of your practice. 


These are 3 of the 9 courses that are exclusive to OptiCon for 2026

• All exclusive courses will be offered two times to ensure you have an opportunity to attend.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!

​Join UOA June 25-27 when Opticians from around the nation will converge on Chicago to learn together, play together and explore together!
Day 1 Educators, Innovators & Explorers presented by MEI systems

And Our Home Town Sponsor, Europa, has some fun surprises in store for us during our 3 days together.​

Take advantage of our Member's Only Early Access pricing and register today! You don't want to miss this!

"Vision for Growth: Consumer Perspectives on Opticianry & Contact Lens Success"
Exclusive to OptiCon ’26, Contact Lens Institute will unveil findings of its latest See Tomorrow research, which, for the first time, is focused on opticianry.

You will:

• See how increased soft contact lens adoption offers high potential for practice and patient success
• Discover opportunities “hidden in plain sight” that can fuel customer loyalty, business upside, and optimal vision across all stages of life
• Learn how U.S. contact lens wearers perceive opticians’ roles within the ecosystem of care and support
• Celebrate the profession’s vital contact lens role from an All-star panel that will identify occasions for consumer and ophthalmic peer education, and recognition.

9 Exclusive Courses – Available Only at Vison Expo!
These 9 courses are exclusive to Opticon for 2026

• Not be available anywhere else for one year.
• All 9 courses will be offered two times to ensure you have an opportunity to attend.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
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Register Today!

ABO & NCLE Announces Education Partnership with GSLS to Provide Continuing Education Lexington, KY — The American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO & NCLE) is pleased to announce a new educational partnership with the Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) to offer NCLE-approved continuing education beginning in January 2026.

GSLS is a widely respected international meeting drawing contact lens professionals from around the world. The meeting offers evidence-based lectures, interactive workshops, hands-on training, scientific papers, poster presentations, and industry-leading exhibits. It provides a collaborative environment where optometrists, contact lens fitters, researchers, and industry innovators come together to share best practices and explore emerging technologies.

ABO & NCLE recognizes the ongoing demand among certified fitters and specialty contact lens practitioners for accessible, high-quality advanced education aligned with national certification standards. This partnership with GSLS represents one of several avenues through which ABO & NCLE supports continuing education opportunities for certified vision care professionals across the country.

To launch the partnership, GSLS will provide NCLE-approved continuing education hours for all general sessions in 2026, with eight hours approved for credit. This collaboration creates an additional pathway for opticians, contact lens fitters, and other eye care professionals to obtain advanced-level education during a well-established professional event. Both organizations share an interest in promoting ongoing learning, strengthening clinical practice, and supporting the professional growth of those involved in specialty contact lens care.

“For practitioners dedicated to specialty contact lens care, GSLS has long offered valuable educational opportunities,” said Nicole McGinnis, Executive Director of ABO & NCLE. “We are pleased to partner with GSLS as one of several platforms where our certificants can access the advanced education they seek as they pursue professional growth through certification and Master-level designations.”

The 2026 GSLS conference will take place January 7–10, 2026, at Paris Las Vegas, Nevada.

About ABO & NCLE
ABO & NCLE is the national certifying body for opticians and contact lens practitioners, dedicated to establishing and upholding standards for safe, high-quality vision care through examination, certification, and continuing education. Website: https://www.abo-ncle.org
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About GSLS
The Global Specialty Lens Symposium is an international conference focused on specialty contact lenses and ocular surface management. GSLS provides a range of clinical education
offerings, hands-on workshops, scientific research forums, and an extensive exhibit hall for specialty lens professionals.
Website: https://gslsymposium.com