Why a concussion can change how you see

A large share of the brain is involved in vision — not just seeing clearly, but aiming both eyes together, shifting focus, moving the eyes accurately across a page, and matching what you see with your sense of balance. A concussion can disrupt any of these systems, even when your eyesight on a standard chart is still 20/20.

That is why many people are told their eyes are "fine" and still struggle to read, use a screen, drive, or walk through a busy store. A neuro-optometric assessment looks at how your visual system is functioning, not only how clearly you see.

Common vision symptoms after a concussion

Blurred or double vision, especially when reading or tired
Headaches or eye strain with reading, screens or schoolwork
Losing your place, skipping lines or re-reading the same sentence
Dizziness or nausea in busy places like grocery stores or malls
Discomfort scrolling on a phone or watching fast motion
Sensitivity to bright light, fluorescent lighting or screens
Trouble judging distances or feeling off-balance
Visual fatigue that makes it hard to concentrate or finish tasks

If several of these sound familiar — whether your injury was a few weeks or several years ago — the Brain Injury Vision Symptom Survey takes a few minutes and helps us understand what you're experiencing before your visit.

What we assess and treat

Convergence insufficiency: Difficulty keeping both eyes aimed together up close, causing double vision, eye strain and headaches with reading.
Focusing (accommodative) problems: Trouble shifting or holding focus between distances, leading to blur and fatigue with near work.
Eye movement (oculomotor) problems: Inaccurate tracking and jumping between targets, which shows up as losing your place and slow, tiring reading.
Visual motion sensitivity: A mismatch between the visual and balance systems that makes scrolling, busy environments or being a passenger feel overwhelming.
Light sensitivity: Discomfort with bright or artificial light and screens, which can often be reduced with specific tinted or filtered lenses.
Post-trauma vision syndrome: A cluster of visual symptoms after brain injury that can affect posture, spatial awareness and balance.

What happens at your assessment

Your first visit is a detailed evaluation of how your visual system is working after your injury. It doesn't replace a routine eye health exam, which your own optometrist continues to provide.

Your history and symptoms

We review how and when the injury happened, your symptoms since, and what situations make them worse.
Binocular vision and eye movement testing

We measure eye teaming, focusing, tracking and how your vision interacts with balance.
Your results and plan

We explain what we found in plain language and recommend next steps, which may include lenses, a vision rehabilitation program, or both.

How treatment works

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is a doctor-supervised program designed around your assessment results. Dr. Suwala or Dr. Buxton adjusts the plan as your symptoms change, so treatment keeps pace with your recovery.

In-office therapy

Structured sessions that retrain eye teaming, focusing and eye movements, and gradually build tolerance to visual motion.

Home program

Short daily exercises that reinforce in-office progress, supported by our patient tools.

Lenses and filters

Where helpful, prescription lenses, prisms or tinted filters to reduce strain, double vision and light sensitivity during recovery.

Vision is one part of concussion recovery. We are glad to coordinate with your physician, physiotherapist or other members of your care team.

Questions about concussion vision care

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book a concussion vision assessment directly. If you have a physician or therapist involved in your care, we can share our findings with them.

My concussion was months or years ago. Is it too late?

Visual symptoms can persist long after other concussion symptoms settle. An assessment is worthwhile whenever vision-related symptoms are still affecting reading, work, school, driving or daily life.

My eye exam was normal. Why would I need this?

A routine eye exam with your optometrist focuses on eye health and how clearly you see. Many post-concussion problems involve eye teaming, focusing, tracking and visual–balance integration, which need more specific testing.

How long does treatment take?

It depends on what the assessment finds and how you respond. Some people need lenses alone; others benefit from a rehabilitation program. We will give you a clear recommendation after your assessment.

Is it covered by insurance?

Vision therapy is not covered by OHIP. Many extended health plans cover part of the cost, and some accident benefit claims may apply. Check with your insurer, and see our FAQ for more on coverage.

Need urgent care? A worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, increasing confusion, or weakness or numbness after a head injury needs immediate medical attention — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For an urgent eye problem, such as sudden vision loss or an eye injury, the Ivey Eye Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital (268 Grosvenor St.) has an eye doctor on call around the clock. On weekdays, go directly to Ivey; after hours, go to the nearest emergency department, which can bring in the on-call Ivey eye team.

Book a concussion vision assessment

No referral needed. We're at 557 Southdale Road East, Suite 106, London, open Monday to Friday.

Book an Assessment Call (519) 204-7230

Not sure yet? Take the symptom survey.

Concussion Vision Rehabilitation in London, Ontario