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NORA Clinical Skills UK

The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) is pleased to offer, for the first time, a path to Fellowship for international candidates. Clinical Skills 1 (CS1) UK, hosted in London, by the British Association of Behavioural Optometrists, is the first step toward earning Fellowship (FNORA). Looking forward, in 2026, we will offer Clinical Skills 2, and in 2027, we will offer Clinical Skills 3 , all in the UK.  Future locations will be offered based on demand. If you want to host and can recruit attendees, please contact Barbara Barclay at [email protected]. 

In addition to NORA Clinical Skills 1 on November 15th, we will be co-hosting an optional course on Sunday, November 16th, Visual Snow.  You may sign up for one or both.

Clinical Skills Course Description

Clinical Skills Level 1 will be split into 2 full days: 1A (Online) and 1B (In-Person) and offers a full 12 hours of education.

Clinical Skills 1A (CS1A) is a prerecorded, online pre-course to Clinical Skills 1B, available through NORA’s TalentLMS platform. You may complete it at your own pace prior to attending 1B, on November 15, 2025. Each hour contains a short test at the end.  

CS1A provides a foundation in the pathophysiology of brain injury and its impact on activities of daily life (ADLs). Topics include brain structure–function mapping, visual processing, core concepts in neuro-optometric rehabilitation (NOR), and the roles of allied professionals such as occupational and physical therapists. This course is lead by experienced NORA professionals and board members.

CS1B is in person, November 15th, and will provide a foundational understanding of the role of neuro-optometric rehabilitation for vision disorders associated with concussion, stroke and other neurological syndromes. Therapeutic techniques and other interventions will be reviewed and demonstrated. After a course introduction participants will rotate through four stations including hands-on demonstrations. The session will conclude with a group discussion of how to apply specific techniques to patient scenarios. This course is lead by experienced NORA Board Members.

Clinical Skills Structure 

Clinical Skills 1A Online Pre-recorded Topics - 6 hrs

  1. Intro / Epidemiology / Visual System – Melissa Zarn, OD, FAAO, Board Member

  2. Neurology – DeAnn Fitzgerald, OD, Board Member, Former President

  3. Visual Complications (Big 5) – DeAnn Fitzgerald, OD, Board Member, Former President

  4. Signs & Symptoms / History Taking – Shirley Blanc, OD, FNORA, Secretary, Board Member

  5. Sleep, Nutrition, Mental Health – Amy Pruszenski, OD, FCOVD, Medical Director

  6. Interdisciplinary Team Dynamics – Gina Kim, MOT, OTRL(Advisory Board) / David Katz, OTRL(Advisory Board) / Xenia Andrzejewski, PT / Katy Coleman, OTRL

Clinical Skills 1B In-Person Topics - 6 hrs

1. Introduction to Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation: Vision Screening and Evaluative Techniques

2. Introduction to Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation: Interventions and Therapeutic Techniques

Visual Snow Course (Optional Add-On)

(Not a NORA event; offered in collaboration with the Visual Snow Initiative)

Visual Snow Course Description
Visual Snow Syndrome is a neurological condition causing persistent visual static along with symptoms such as light sensitivity, night vision problems, and palinopsia. Many patients also experience tinnitus, migraines, brain fog, and other sensory issues.

In 2022, Dr. Charles Shidlofsky, Dr. Terry Tsang, and Vanessa Mora published research in Frontiers of Neurology showing that Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Therapy (NORT) can improve quality of life. This course, led by Dr. Shidlofsky, OD and NORA Board President and Dr. Tsang, OD, reviews Visual Snow Syndrome, study findings, clinical updates, and trains attendees in the NORT protocol. Participants completing the course will be certified in NORT and listed on the Visual Snow Initiative website.

  • Training in Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Therapy (NORT) protocol.
  • Led by Dr. Charles Shidlofsky, OD, OVDRA & Dr. Terry Tsang, OD,FAOO
  • Includes certification & listing on the Visual Snow Initiative website.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation deadline: October 31, 2025 (5:00 PM GMT).
  • Refunds: Available (minus 10%) if written notice is received before deadline.
  • No refunds after this date (includes no-shows or last-minute changes).
  • Attendees must secure their own travel documents (passport, visa, etc.).

Hotel Information

Book your Room Here

Hilton London Heathrow Airport (Terminal 4)
Hounslow, Middlesex, TW6 3AF, UK
Phone: +44 (0)208 750 0645 | Mobile: +44 (0)7974 387013
Website: Heathrow.hilton.com