Deborah Zelinsky, O.D. is an optometrist noted worldwide for her work in neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Currently, she serves as founder and executive research director of The Mind-Eye Institute, based in Northbrook, Illinois.  Her global reputation is due, in part, to her discovery of the use of eyeglasses to alter sound location and subsequent development of the Z-Bell Test℠.   The patented test allows Dr. Zelinsky and her team to prescribe lenses and use other optometric interventions that balance processing of central and peripheral eyesight, while synchronizing the integration between auditory and retinal sensory systems.

The Mind-Eye Institute was created with the objective to make new science discoveries pertaining to eyes more accessible to patients both domestically and globally. Dr. Zelinsky’s vision is to train other eyecare professionals on enhancement of retinal processing using her patented methods, with a short-term goal to have accredited doctors practicing in most major population centers globally.

The 20/20 eye testing standard is over 150 years old and does not consider the peripheral processing or auditory integration both of which are critical.  Dr. Zelinsky is pioneering a campaign to “Leave 20/20 in the 20th Century” and shift into a more updated assessment protocol including moving targets and overall awareness of surroundings.  Using brain mapping of the retina (which is comprised of brain tissue) the optometric profession can perform brain, rather than eye, examinations.  Patients needing this updated testing include those who have been diagnosed with a brain that isn’t functioning at its full potential.  This includes a wide range of issues, including genetic mutations, autism, attention problems such as ADD and ADHD, dyslexia, learning problems, concussions, and stroke among others.

In addition to her work with the Mind-Eye Institute, Dr. Zelinsky is a fellow in both the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.  She is a board member of the Society for Brain Mapping and a community leader for the Society of Neuroscience. 

James (Jim) W. Smyth, MBA/JD, is a member of both the Indiana Bar and Michigan Bar and serves as executive director of Legendary Partners, LLC and Custom Structured Settlements, LLC, two private equity firms. The former assists growth companies with maximizing unrealized potential. The latter company serves as an intermediary to protect people’s assets, minimize taxes on sales, and provide tax-advantaged income preservation. Jim believes this know-how can prove important to Mind-Eye Institute optometrists seeking comfortable retirement after contributing their skills on behalf of patients.

Jim has advised many high-net-worth business owners and individuals from all industries and worked closely with a nationwide list of legal and financial experts on tax minimization strategies. His unique approach to estate planning and multigenerational wealth through The Family Trust Institute has included creation of The Legacy Lifeboat, a generational succession plan focused on families’ goals, perspectives, and true wealth.

A 1979 graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and Graduate School of Business, Jim is or has been a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, the Renaissance Advisors, the Fortress Attorney Advisors and the National Charitable Advisors, Attorneys for Family Held Enterprises, Legacy Boston, The Heritage Institute, Purposeful Planning Institute, among other groups and organizations. He also has served as an advisory board member for the neurosurgery department of Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Duke University Catholic Center, and the Planned Giving Council of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.

Jim first became involved with the Mind-Eye Connection – now the Mind-Eye Institute – after a comprehensive evaluation and prescription of “brain” lenses from Mind-Eye director Deborah Zelinsky O.D. prompted his autistic son John to begin talking for the first time – even singing and reciting prayers in church. This “amazing transformation” of his son has led Jim on a mission to support and help expand Dr. Zelinsky’s ongoing clinical work and research so that more patients can benefit nationwide – and globally.

Although Jim is director of the Mind-Eye Institute on the business side,100% of the proceeds collected are used for further development of the Mind-Eye Institute.