Featured Speaker Brings Unique Approach to Brain Injury
Calling her an “industry leader who is bringing innovative solutions to individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),” organizers of the Stanford University Synapse Conference invited Deborah Zelinsky OD, founder of the Mind-Eye Institute, to be a featured speaker for their program. The conference was May 4, 2024.
“Our conference committee was particularly interested in learning more about how Mind-Eye’s selective stimulation of the retina improves TBI symptoms,” wrote event officer Catherine Yue in a note to Dr. Zelinsky. Yue referred to the Mind-Eye team’s “unique approach to modulate the brain via the retina.”
"Most people think of the eyes simply as an input center that sees the environment and brings visual information into the brain. But the role of the retina is much more significant than that."
Stimulating the retina with light has long been a hallmark of the Mind-Eye Institute. Dr. Zelinsky, who is the Institute’s research director, and her staff use carefully prescribed therapeutic lenses, filters, and other optometric interventions to manipulate the amount, angle, or intensity of light passing through the retina. Their work has proven successful in relieving symptoms of TBI, including reading and concentration problems, issues with balance and posture, brain fog, headaches, and sound and light sensitivities.
About the Role of the Retina
Environmental feedback signals (in the form of light) enter the retina and convert into electrical signals, which pass through the neurons and interact with key brain structures. These retinal signals affect not only the visual cortex but other, significant structures of the brain, including non-image forming regions, Dr. Zelinsky says.
“Most people think of the eyes simply as an input center that sees the environment and brings visual information into the brain. But the role of the retina is much more significant than that. The retina is actually composed of brain tissue and an often-overlooked part of the central nervous system. That is why retinal stimulation with light actually can promote changes in the brain. These changes influence visual processing functions,” explains Dr. Zelinsky.
The term “visual processing” applies to the brain’s ability to convert light energy into meaningful information, enabling individuals to respond consciously, subconsciously, or unconsciously to what is happening in the world around them.
Throughout much of her career, Dr. Zelinsky has studied the retina’s role in integrating various sensory maps, including eye-ear coordination, to help patients process surrounding space and achieve proper spatial awareness. “Synchronization of perceived auditory and visual space optimizes a person’s overall performance, including movement, executive functioning, memory, and the sequencing of brain functions required for effective communication skills,” she states.
Advancements in Neurorehabilitation
Meanwhile, scientists continue uncovering new information about the retina, its impact on different regions of the brain, and its connections to major physiological systems.
In her emailed note to Dr. Zelinsky, Yue indicated that the Mind-Eye Institute is “advancing the field of neurorehabilitation” and said her conference committee would be “honored” to have Dr. Zelinsky as a participant.
The Stanford Synapse Conference included research presentations by scholars and scientists concerning advancements in the treatment and care of TBI patients, clinical insights from physicians, a panel discussion with community members who have experienced brain injury, and interactive workshops.
"Synchronization of perceived auditory and visual space optimizes a person’s overall performance, including movement, executive functioning, memory, and the sequencing of brain functions required for effective communication skills."
