Vision and Concussions
About Katie Davis Tarver, OD, FCOVD.
Raised in Columbia, SC., Dr. Katie Davis Tarver graduated with Honors from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago in 2014. In 2017, she became a board-certified Fellow in the College of Vision Development. She serves on local and state optometric boards, and as chair of both the SC ACT 251 Learning Disorders Task Force and the Brain Injury of SC Safetynet Task Force. Additionally, she has lectured across the state on topics relating to vision and concussion.
How does a concussion affect the visual system? What are the signs and symptoms of injury, and what can one do about it?
Recent research suggests that over 50% of patients with concussion or post-concussion syndrome have visual problems that may cause headaches, eye headaches, double vision, eye strain, and/or blurred vision.
Don't wait until a child in your care has a concussion to understand how it can affect their visual system's health. The visual system includes so much more than sight alone -- watch now to learn the steps you can take to help a child with mTBI, and ensure they can look forward to a lifetime of healthy vision.
Click to watch this brief but essential webinar from subject matter expert Dr. Davis as she educates parents and caregivers on the impact of concussion on the visual system, outlines the signs and symptoms of visual injury, and provides free resources and tools available. You'll also learn how an injury to this region of the nervous system impacts a child's life and how to address, treat, and manage post-injury effects.
Dr. Davis presents this vital information in an accessible and easy-to-follow format through the use of diagrams, narration, and other graphics. While the complexity and sophistication of the visual system can't be summarized in just 15 minutes, viewers of this webinar can be confident they will come away with a clear understanding of:
● the key functions of the visual system
● how a concussion can disrupt the brain's ability to fully function
● why the early detection of a disrupted visual system is crucial
● what books, websites, and other resources are recommended
● other essential information every parent and caregiver should have.
Every person needs 17 essential visual "skills" to have the best quality of life. These skills include color and depth perception, motor skills, comprehension, retention, and even visualizing and analyzing memories and future possibilities. The visual system is one of the most complex parts of the human body, second only to the brain; a concussion may produce far-reaching consequences beyond the sight that is described in 20/20 vision. Post-injury problems originating from the visual system may significantly impact the ability to read, write, learn, and even perform on the ball field.
Despite the misconception, vision is treatable at any age. But the need for treatment, and ultimately its success, depends on recognizing the common and uncommon visual symptoms related to concussion. This webinar explains what to look for and what to expect from Vision Therapy.
Visual skills are learned during early childhood development but can be improved at any age with practice and training. With over 250 articles published on its efficacy, an increasing amount of evidence-based research has shown Vision Therapy to be successful in treating concussion by:
● Helping patients develop or improve visual skills and abilities
● Improving visual comfort, ease, and efficiency
● Changing how a patient processes or interprets visual information
● Addressing symptoms that affect visual control, focus, tracking, movement, and how the eyes work as a "team."
The following resources were mentioned in Dr. Davis’ video. Please check out the resources, and take the brief post-webinar survey below.
Electronic Copy of the SC REAP Manual
South Carolina-specific Resources
Vision Resources: