| Frequently
asked questions by patients and relatives |
| |
| Click on one of the following headings
to see the relevant questions and answers. |
| |
| 1 About the Vision
Restoration Therapy (VRT) |
| General information regarding VRT Vision
Therapy. |
| |
| 2 Suitability
and Therapy Process |
| Information regarding which impairment
has been reviewed for this therapy, treatment course and
more. |
|
| About the VRT |
| |
Which health insurance covers the
expenses for a VRT?
Vision Restoration Therapy is not yet covered by the national
health system. However, reimbursement of costs is one
of our aims.
At the moment, this therapy belongs to those clinically
tested benefits for which our patients must cover their
own costs. There have, however, been single cases of
reimbursement so that a request for coverage is recommended.
|
| |
What does VRT mean?
VRT is short for Vision Restoration Therapy, a vision
therapy that you can conduct at home on your own computer.
It is aimed at increasing the visual field. |
| |
How do I find out if I can expect
success using VRT?
Please contact us and send us, without obligation, a copy
of your ophthalmological and neurological records. Our
evaluation will determine if VRT will be a promising success
measure for you. We will then gladly discuss further steps
to be taken. |
| |
How can I obtain further information?
Please contact us. We will
gladly send you information and scientific study material.
|
| |
How often must I practice at home?
Using VRT you will practice at home on your own computer
several times a day, totalling one hour over a period
of 6 months. The individual training units can be flexibly
integrated into your daily routine. In the first 2-3 months
you should have as few breaks as possible, after that
breaks are of course permitted following consultation.
The therapy duration will then be accordingly longer.
|
| |
Is VRT software easy to use?
Even if you have had little or no computer experience
it will not be a problem. You will be introduced to its
operation. In order to practice the daily therapy units
only a few keys are utilised. These will be explained
and shown to the patient during the introduction to the
programme. |
| |
If questions arise during therapy...
?
NovaVision has installed a telephone hotline for its patients
and partner centers that can be reached Monday to Friday,
from 8:00-17:00. The NovaVision team will answer your questions from points in
the therapy to computer tips and using the software. |
| |
Which services are included in the
Vision Restoration Therapy?
|
 |
|
 |
The initial diagnostic
test conducted in a partner center or at
NovaVision in Magdeburg; |
| |
|
|
The preparation of
an individually customised therapy programme (including
software); |
|
|
|
Monthly evaluation
of therapy results as well as the adjustment of
your programme to results already achieved; |
|
|
|
Personal care and
support via telephone, mail or email for the duration
of the therapy; |
|
|
|
A concluding diagnostic
test (conducted at NovaVision in Magdeburg or at a partner
center). |
|
| |
You have decided to begin the
Vision Restoration Therapy, now what?
Following the evaluation of your results you have decided
to begin VRT and we will arrange an appointment
with you to conduct the initial diagnostic test. This
will take place either at NovaVision in Magdeburg
or at one of our partner centers in Austria, Switzerland
or UK.
If all the requirements for a successful therapy are met
a therapy contract will be completed between the patient
and NovaVision.
|
| |
|
| Suitability and Treatment Process |
| |
Does the amount of time lapsed since
having a stroke or trauma make a difference?
No, studies show that even patients whose damage occurred
a long time ago showed good results. |
| |
Which types of vision impairment
is suitable for treatment with VRT?
Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT) is designed for patients who have suffered
a loss in their field of vision as a result of neurological
disease or damage. This type of impaired vision is often
the result of optical nerve or brain damage (for example
stroke, brain trauma and brain tumor) and can have various
characteristics (e.g. hemianopia, quadrantanopia etc.). |
| |
How long is the duration of the
therapy?
The therapy takes about six months. If the final
diagnostic test shows more areas of residual vision a
continuation of the therapy is suggested. |
| |
Is it possible to treat shortsightedness
or longsightedness with the Vision Restoration Therapy?
No. VRT is only indicated if the visual impairment is
a result of neurological damage such as stroke, head injury,
visual nerve damage or brain tumor operations. |
| |
What type of improvements have patients
described?
Over 65% of treated patients to date have achieved measurable
improvements in their vision and have therefore reclaimed
a part of the quality of life they had lost. Following
six months of vision therapy in their familiar surroundings
at their own computers, many of our patients can read
more easily and resume leisure and work interests without
medications, surgeries or hospital stays. |
| |
Which patients are not suited to
the Vision Restoration Therapy?
Patients with photogenic epilepsy may not be treated.
We advise patients who are suffering from an acute illness
of the central nervous system or of the eyes to delay
therapy until the acute phase has passed |
| |
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit as long the patient is in a position
to conduct the therapy. |
| |
What happens when the therapy has been completed?
Following the final diagnostic test we will discuss the
achieved therapy results with the patient. If there is the prospect
of further improvement the treatment can be continued.
|
