Can Glasses Help Someone Hear Better?
Yes. And a simplequick-and-easy examination developed by the founder of the Mind-Eye InstituteDeborah ZelinskyO.D. can prove it.
The Mind-Eye Institute is Committed to Transforming Lives
“I love my glasses because they help me hear better.”
Those words – from first-grader Elijah (Eli) – usually elicit a “huh?” from most peopleaccording to his motherBecky. “Glasses are supposed to help you see better – not hear better.”
Butfor Elidiagnosed as being on the autism spectrumthe “brain” glasses prescribed by the Mind-Eye Institute have done just that – improved his listening capabilities. “They have synchronized his eyesight and hearingand the results have been profound,” Becky relates.
“Even family members and friends have noticed the changes in Eli since he has been wearing his Mind-Eye glasses,” states Beckybrushing off suggestions that other therapy programs may be primarily responsible. “We have not been attending other therapy programsyet Eli has been thriving. I credit the glasses with helping him cope better and learn more. I feel every moment he is wearing them they are having positive effects on his brain. Perhapsover timethese changes will become permanentand he will not need the glasses.”
Neuromodulation with Lenses: How It Works
The Mind-Eye Institute is recognized worldwide for its assessments of “visual processing.” The term refers to the brain’s almost-instantaneous ability (partially beneath a conscious level of awareness) to take in external sensory signals (from eyesighthearingsmelltaste and touch)meld them with a person’s internal sensory signals and then synthesize – process — the informationallowing a person to react and respond to his or her environment.
“The retina is composed of brain tissue and is part of the central nervous system," says Dr. Zelinskyfounder of the Mind-Eye Institute.
"By changing the way light passes through the retinawe can affect how the brain reacts to information about the environment and modify a person’s spatial awarenessbody posture and selective attention to sound,” says Dr. Zelinsky.
Through careful modulation of retinal signaling using customizedtherapeutic “brain” glasses — Mind-Eye Brainwear™– and other optometric techniquesthe Mind-Eye Institute is helping those patients who have learning or comprehension challengessuch as ADD/ADHDautism spectrum disorders (ASD)concussion/traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to develop new visual skills.
Autism and Developmental Deficiencies
For almost thirty yearsthe Mind-Eye Institute has served patients from national and international locationsassessing peripheral eyesight usage in addition to central (20/20) eyesight. Children with special needs or those on the autistic spectrumbenefit from having Mind-Eye eyeglass prescriptionswhich help ensure brain signals are being processed efficiently in a synchronized manner. For instanceeyeglass prescriptions determined by using our patented Z-Bell testing help regulate eye-ear connections. Those Z-Bell prescriptions enhance patients' readinglistening and attention in a majority of cases. The individualized glasses create a stable balance between central and peripheral eyesightas well as auditory and visual localization ability.
Post-Concussion &
Traumatic Brain Injury Exams
Many people suffer from various post-concussive and brain injury symptoms such as photophobiaocular fatigueheadachesdizzinessand sleep problems and mood changes. We understand that interactions between the electrical and biochemical pathways in the brain affect physicalphysiological and psychological systems. Patients undergo a thorough examination with advanced technology and testing techniques to measure visual performance and visual processing functions. The goal is to determine whether the visual processing systems are in balance with other sensory systems that require perception of space and timesuch as auditory localization ability.
A Different Approach to
Learning DifficultiesADD/ADHD
At our practicedevelopmental examinations cover much more than how well a patient can see. For examplea child who is diagnosed with ADDADHDCAPDor developmental delaysmay in fact be experiencing these symptoms as a results at least in part because of visual systems dysfunctions. It is important to realize that eyesight is only one small part of the visual system; there are many other visual inputs often not addressed during routine eye exams. Each of the systems develop in a hierarchylinking with other systems' development. For instancemotor skills and visual skills combine for good hand-eye coordinationor visual and auditory skills combine for reading.
'Dr. Zelinsky's Work Is Revolutionary'
Norman DoidgeM.D. & Clark ElliottPh.D.Dr. Patrick Quaid and Patricia S. Lemer praise her accomplishments:
"Zelinsky fit Elliott with a series of eyeglasses designed to improve the perceptual damage that made his life so difficult... Getting fitted for Zelinsky's eyeglasses is like no eye appointment you've ever had... NowElliott sayshe is almost entirely symptom-freeable to problem-solvemulti-task and find his way easily — all abilities he lost in the auto accident in 1999. When he put on his Phase VI glasses he felt something that he hadn't felt for years: "I felt normal."
Review: 'The Ghost in My Brain'
The Chicago Tribune
"One brilliant Chicago-area optometrist I knowDeborah Zelinsky ODFNORAFCOVDhas developed a uniquepatentedeasy-to-administer evaluation called the Z-Bell Test. This test measures the efficiency of integration between visual processing and listening....A 2014 study at Vanderbilt University found that children with autism do not synchronize their seeing and hearing...I have watched Dr. Zelinsky administer this test to disbelieving colleagueswho were astounded by its accuracy and results...Over the past two decadesThe Z-Bell Test has become internationally recognized by the scientific community.”
Patricia S. Lemer
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
"I visited Dr. Zelinskyand she showed me how she can use optical lenses to alter sensory filteringby directing light to different retinal cells and brain circuits. This can influence activity in the brain and the hypothalamus to better regulate body chemistrysensory integrationand even some auditory processing. [Dr. Zelinsky] works frequently with patients working with learning and cognitive disorders as well as TBIs."
Norman DoidgeM.D.
"I was delighted to have Dr. Zelinsky personally contribute to the book. Her wealth of knowledge in the area of visual development and visual processing is widely knownnot just through her contribution of eye-care to the author of “The Ghost in My Brain”but also via her Mind-Eye Institute and the lectures and training their provide. Dr. Zelinsky is not just colleague and a friendbut also a valued member of the neuro-optometric community and an invaluable bridge to other allied professions treating brain injuries. Her contribution to the book is deeply appreciated."
Dr. Patrick QuaidMCOptomFCOVDPhD
Interested in Visiting Our Clinic?
Get in contact with one of our New Patient Advocates to book an appointment.
At the Mind-Eye Institute we understand that interactions between the electrical and biochemical pathways in the brain affect physicalphysiological and psychological systems. Visual interventions that alter retinal signaling pathways impact both the electrical and biochemical systems.
Our patients undergo thorough examination with advanced technology and testing techniques to measure their reactions and responses to light entering the retina. With this informationexperts at the Mind-Eye Institute determine whether a patient’s visual and auditory systems are synchronized. They consider how light might be manipulated to positively impact brain function and body chemistry. The goal is to find optimal ways of mitigating symptoms that are not improved or resolved through standard approaches.
Specificallyour team offers patients prescriptive eyeglassescontact lenses or other optometric interventions to selectively stimulate light dispersed on the retina. Individualized lenses can:
Getting In Touch With Us
To learn about next steps for registering as a patient or registering a child as a patientplease call the Mind-Eye Institute office at 847.744.9167 or you can fill out our online New Patient Inquiry Form provided here.
The Mind-Eye Institute is a non-participating provider with any insurance company. We don’t bill your insurance directlybut our team will provide you with the necessary documentation to submit to your insurance company for partial reimbursement following your visit.
New Patient Inquiry
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