2019 Joint Statement from the American Optometric Association’s Sports and Performance and Neuro-Rehabilitation Committees
According to the CDC, 1 in every 225 Americans sustain a TBI each year. From infants to the elderly, athletes and non-athletes, these people are members of our patient base. Based on these numbers, roughly 2 of your patients may have symptoms of a concussion each month. A mild traumatic brain injury may occur from any bump, blow or jolt to the head or body.
These patients often present with headaches, balance problems, or even just say “Hey doc, I’m not feeling so well”. They may have difficulty with reading and concentration that stem from undiagnosed accommodative disorders. A high percentage of these patients will also have problems sustaining convergence. Without your involvement, these conditions can go untreated. This unnecessary prolonged recovery can lead to increased time away from school or work. Unresolved symptoms of mTBI can cause mental and behavioral health issues.
Doctors of optometry have the ability to detect, identify, treat and sometimes refer these individuals to the care that they need to improve their quality of life. As the AOA works to gain optometry interprofessional recognition of what we bring to the table, it’s our responsibility to provide the care that is necessary to help our patients.
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