NovaVision Patient Article NovaVision VRT: Improving Vision Deficits Once Considered Untreatable In New York, approximately 250,000 residents have had a stroke (N.Y. State Dept. of Health). Of this group, roughly 20% have experienced vision loss. Many of these survivors have difficulty with activities such as reading, walking, and watching TV, which has limited their mobility and independence. Until recently, patients could undergo a variety of speech, physical and occupational therapies to regain function, with vision loss left unaddressed. Now regardless of when the injury occurred, survivors can possibly regain some of their vision through groundbreaking vision therapy offered at the Neurological Institute of New York at Columbia University Medical Center: NovaVision VRTtm Vision Restoration Therapy tm(VRT). VRT & How It Works VRT is the first FDA-cleared medical device that addresses rehabilitation for vision loss for both stroke and traumatic brain injury. The therapy is completed at home for an hour a day and is based on the scientific principle that healthy areas in the brain can compensate for injury and adjust their activity in response to stimulation. After stroke or TBI, an area of residual vision, which borders on the seeing and non-seeing areas, typically exists. This area is targeted through patented technology providing non-invasive, customized light stimulation therapy on a medical device. More than 65% of VRT patients have demonstrated measurable results, and over 15 years of clinical research have contributed to the development of the therapy. Benefits of VRT Today, over 1,000 patients have been treated with VRT. Of the more than 65% of patients who have seen significant improvement, many have expressed how it has dramatically changed their lives. One of NovaVision’s patients who completed VRT seven years after his stroke stated, “Since I began my daily VRT regimen my walking is more sure-footed and I have better balance and coordination. I have even been able to play catch with my young grandchildren - an activity I have not been able to perform since my stroke.” How Patients Participate Clinicians at the Neurological Institute of New York at Columbia University Medical Center administer VRT diagnostic tests and oversee monthly therapy progress for their patients, while patients complete approximately one hour of VRT per day, six days per week at home for 6-7 months. The therapy is customized, evaluated and updated monthly to optimize patient results. For more information, contact either Dr. Randy Marshall’s office at 212.305.2743 or NovaVision at 888.205.0800, M-F 8am-8pm ET or visit www.novavision.c om...click here