Vision Therapy Helps Linda Reclaim Independence

A simple misstep after a joyful family celebration changed everything for Linda Devore.

In September 2024, while visiting Utah for her granddaughter’s wedding, Linda fell while walking down the steps at a friend’s home. She stumbled backward and hit her head hard. When her headaches didn’t go away, a visit to the emergency room confirmed a concussion.

The effects of the concussion followed her all the way home to Pennsylvania.

“Every time I got out of the car at a rest stop, I felt dizzy,” the Carbon County resident said.

Once home, her primary care physician recommended physical therapy and occupational therapy, referring her to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation for specialized vision therapy.

That referral proved to be life changing.

At Good Shepherd’s Hyland Center in South Allentown, Linda worked with occupational therapist Jim Cassell, MS, OTR/L. Jim referred Linda to a doctor who specializes in neurosensory disorders. Testing revealed the concussion impacted Linda’s vision significantly, contributing to her dizziness, poor depth perception and balance problems.

“These symptoms really limited my independence,” Linda said.

She couldn’t drive and relied on a rolling walker and then a cane to get around. Everyday activities felt daunting.

“I couldn’t go on an escalator,” she said. “I was afraid to step off a curb by myself.”

Vision therapy challenged Linda in new ways. She performed many standing exercises, which was difficult for Linda as she began therapy. She used specialized goggles to see 3D-style images and practiced identifying them, pushing a button when they came into focus.

“At first, I couldn’t see them at all,” she said. “But over time, it got better and better.”

Other therapies felt like high-tech games. In one, Linda was safely secured while images — such as grocery store aisles — moved toward her; she leaned side to side to avoid obstacles. Another involved visually tracing mazes on a screen, training her eyes and brain to work together again.

Slowly, the progress added up. Linda’s depth perception improved dramatically, her dizziness faded and her balance strengthened. After completing vision therapy, Linda continued physical therapy at Good Shepherd’s Palmerton outpatient clinic to further strengthen her balance and legs.

Now, Linda walks independently without a cane or walker and reports minimal to no dizziness. She is even driving again.

Being able to move more freely has helped Linda improve her overall health, including losing 50 pounds over the past year.

“My joints feel better, and I’m able to go for walks again,” she said.

When asked about her experience at Good Shepherd, Linda doesn’t hesitate.

“Good Shepherd is tops. I can’t say enough,” she said. “The therapists truly care. It’s simple things like asking if you need a rest or a drink of water during therapy. They’re there to help you in every way.”

For Linda, therapy at Good Shepherd didn’t improve just her vision and balance — it helped her reclaim her independence.