The Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC) has opened a new Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Clinic within its Department of Optometry to help people recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
After a head injury—whether from combat, accidents, or other trauma—many people struggle with vision problems. These can include double vision, difficulty focusing, eye strain, dizziness, trouble reading, poor balance, and problems concentrating. Because these symptoms are not always obvious, they are often overlooked, even though vision plays a critical role in how we move, think, and function every day.
In preliminary research conducted with injured Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers hospitalized after combat-related injuries, JMC specialists found a high rate of hidden vision and eye-movement problems—even among those who had not been formally diagnosed with a brain injury. This highlights how easily these issues can go undetected.
The new clinic will provide specialized testing and personalized treatment to address these visual challenges early in recovery. By identifying and treating vision problems sooner, patients can improve their balance, reading ability, mobility, and overall independence—ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
This clinic is also the first step toward building a comprehensive neuro-rehabilitation center at JMC, bringing together experts in optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, and social work to provide coordinated, whole-person care.
With this initiative, JMC is helping ensure that vision—one of our most essential senses—is no longer overlooked in brain injury recovery.
