Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists

International Congress Showcases Astronaut, Neuroscientists, Courageous Brain Injury Survivor, and Famous Authors


ONTARIO, California, USA (April 11, 2010) – Nearly 550 vision and rehabilitation specialists from Australia, Europe, North America, Asia, Africa--around the globe-- converged in Ontario, California for a first ever joint meeting of the International Congress of Behavioral Optometry, the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, and the newly established College of Optometry at Western University of Health Sciences. At the meeting, held April 8-11, 2010, in Ontario, CA, professionals from several healthcare professions met to discuss advances in vision science, neurological research, and clinical treatment of brain injury, developmental vision disorders, and other neurological and physical problems.

V.S. Ramachandran, a world-famous neuroscientist from University of California at San Diego, was a keynote speaker. During his presentation, he highlighted recent research showing new therapy possibilities for patients suffering from brain injuries. Attendees were also able to discuss with “Rama” how so-called “mirror neurons” have become valuable in understanding and treating autism.

Dan Barry, astronaut, engineer, medical doctor, inventor, and cast member of CBS’ Survivor, enlightened and entertained attendees with tales from his life history. His recounts of personal perseverance, as he worked toward his life-long dream of walking in space, was particularly well-received. Attendees also responded with interest as Dr. Barry described his personal experiences with adaptive changes induced in his body by prolonged time in space, followed by adaptive recovery when returning to the full gravity of earth.

Sue Barry, neuroscientist, professor, and best-selling author, spoke on neuro-plasticity. Her personal medical history as a child, and subsequent training in neurology, had led Dr. Barry to believe she would never be able to use both eyes together as other people do. Through a chance encounter with a behavioral optometrist, Dr. Barry received treatment that resulted in her development of stereopsis and greater depth perception. Dr. Barry now writes and lectures extensively regarding errors in the medical concept of “critical periods” and on the ability of adults to develop or regain lost neurological and visual function.

Jennifer Field, great-great-granddaughter of the department store founder Marshall Field, survivor of a near-fatal car accident at the age of 17, and founder of the JField Foundation, performed her critically acclaimed, autobiographical one-woman show, “A Distant Memory” for attendees of the conference. Her story of continuing recovery and achievement following her accident was an inspiration to those attending her show, many of whom provide care for patients like Ms. Field.

The International Congress of Behavioral Optometry meets every four years, cycling from Europe to Australia and then to the United States. The 2014 Congress is scheduled to meet at Oxford University in Great Britain.

The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) offers education and certification to healthcare professionals who work in the fields of brain injury rehabilitation and the visual complications that are associated with brain injury.

The Western University College of Optometry is the youngest college of optometry in the United States. In its mission statement is included the phrase, “To graduate caring, comprehensive optometrists who can enhance visual function throughout the lifespan of each unique individual, and serve the increasing public need in neuro-optometry encompassing: learning disabilities, brain injury, developmental disabilities, and the visually impaired.”

Contact: Robert A. Williams, Optometric Extension Program Foundation, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .