For Grace Casciola, a bright young athlete, her path to becoming a Vision Therapist began on a soccer field in Louisville, Kentucky. A dedicated soccer player for Berea College, Grace’s journey took an unexpected turn during a game where a collision on the field led to serious head injuries, including a concussion. This event, followed by another concussion shortly after, set her on a new path towards recovery, growth, and a fulfilling career with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles.
The Impact of Head Injuries on Vision
Many people may not realize the significant impact concussions and traumatic brain injuries can have on vision. Grace experienced this firsthand. After her first concussion, her memory of the event and the subsequent drive to the hospital was nonexistent. Despite a lengthy recovery period, Grace returned to the field only to suffer another concussion when hit in the head with a ball. It wasn’t just her memory that was affected this time—her ability to see clearly and maintain balance was compromised, leading to further challenges.
Following her injuries, Grace found that daily tasks became exceedingly difficult. Memory loss, unexpected sleepiness, and even passing out in class were now part of her new normal. As a college student with a 3.82 GPA, her academics were also impacted. Grace had to relearn basic skills like reading and writing. After months of struggle, she found hope in Vision Therapy (VT) when a local eye doctor referred her to Dr. Graebe in Versailles.
Vision Therapy: A Path to Healing
Vision Therapy is a highly specialized program offered at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute designed to address visual issues stemming from traumatic brain injuries. Led by Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a renowned neuro-optometrist, VT goes beyond traditional eye care by focusing on visual skills such as eye tracking, focusing, and coordination, which are often impaired following head trauma.
At Dr. Graebe’s office, Vision Therapist Jennifer Ciecorka guided Grace through VT exercises. These included convergent and divergent tasks to help restore her eye tracking abilities. The results were life-changing. Grace regained not only her visual skills but also her confidence. After 25 weeks, her progress was remarkable, and she continued her therapy until graduating from the program nine months later.
A New Career Path as a Vision Therapist
Inspired by her own healing journey, Grace pursued a career in Vision Therapy. When Dr. Graebe’s office offered her a position, she accepted on the spot. Today, she is not only a student studying child development but also an active Vision Therapist who works closely with patients experiencing visual challenges similar to her own. Grace’s story is a testament to the powerful connection between vision and recovery after traumatic brain injuries.
Her role as a Vision Therapist allows her to share her experience, providing hope and support to patients facing vision impairments due to concussions and other traumatic events. Grace has become an advocate for VT, sharing her success and encouraging others to seek help. In fact, one of her friends, also a soccer player, is now receiving Vision Therapy at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute thanks to Grace’s recommendation.
Conclusion: Vision Therapy with Dr. Rick Graebe
Grace Casciola’s journey from the soccer field to a Vision Therapy career reflects the life-changing impact of Vision Therapy on those who experience concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD and the team at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute are committed to providing specialized care that goes beyond traditional eye exams, offering a comprehensive approach to visual recovery and enhancement.
If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury and is struggling with vision challenges, consider exploring Vision Therapy with Dr. Graebe. With locations in Versailles and Somerset, Neuro-Visual Performance Institute serves patients throughout Central and Southern Kentucky. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call us at 859-879-0089.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.