Wow Vision Therapy Blog

A newly published prospective randomized clinical trial marks a major milestone in the field of neuro-optometric rehabilitation. For the first time, researchers have demonstrated through rigorous, controlled methodology that office-based vergence/accommodative therapy (OBVAM) effectively treats concussion-related convergence insufficiency (CI) and accommodative dysfunction—two of the most common visual biomarkers of post-concussion syndrome. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (October 1, 2025), the CONCUSS Randomized Clinical Trial provides the highest level of evidence to date confirming that vision therapy not only works—but that it should begin early to optimize recovery.

When Vision Problems Linger After Concussion

After a concussion, many patients experience symptoms such as blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, eye strain, and headaches, especially when reading or performing near tasks. These are hallmark signs of convergence insufficiency and accommodative dysfunction, both of which are functional visual problems that disrupt the brain’s ability to coordinate the eyes effectively.

For years, clinicians have observed significant improvement in these patients through office-based neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation. However, prior research had been primarily retrospective or lacked the statistical power necessary to meet the standards of a prospective randomized clinical trial—until now.

The Significance of the CONCUSS RCT

This landmark study, titled “CONCUSS randomized clinical trial of vergence/accommodative therapy for concussion-related symptomatic convergence insufficiency,” answered two pivotal clinical questions:

1. Is vision therapy effective for patients with concussion-related CI and post-concussion visual symptoms?
2. Is early treatment better than a “watchful waiting” approach?

The findings were definitive:

• Office-based vergence/accommodative therapy (OBVAM) is an effective treatment for concussion-related convergence insufficiency and visual symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome.
• Early intervention matters. Patients who began therapy promptly achieved faster and greater improvement compared to those assigned to “watchful waiting.”
• The “wait and see” approach rarely led to recovery, underscoring the importance of early referral and treatment.

Clinical Implications for Recovery

For healthcare providers—including optometrists, sports medicine professionals, and concussion specialists—the message is clear:
When patients show persistent visual symptoms following concussion, prompt referral for a comprehensive sensorimotor vision evaluation is crucial. If convergence insufficiency or accommodative dysfunction is confirmed, office-based vergence/accommodative neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation should be initiated without delay to accelerate recovery and restore functional vision.

The Wow Vision Therapy Approach

At Wow Vision Therapy, our doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of concussion-related binocular and oculomotor disorders. Using evidence-based, office-based protocols consistent with this new research, we help patients of all ages recover visual function and regain confidence in reading, learning, and daily life.

If you or someone you know continues to struggle after a concussion—with reading fatigue, blurred or double vision, or difficulty concentrating— contact us and schedule a comprehensive neuro-optometric vision evaluation.

Dan L. Fortenbacher, O.D., FOVDR