Why Optometry Is Becoming the Hub for Sports Vision Training

The Growing Role of Optometrists

Across the U.S. and Canada there are more than 80,000 eye-care professionals. Yet, fewer than 1 in 10 currently offer sports vision training. That’s beginning to change. Optometrists are uniquely positioned to become the central hub for this fast-growing specialty because:

• They already assess visual acuity, binocular coordination, and contrast sensitivity—all foundational to sports performance.
• Athletes increasingly recognize that “20/20 vision” isn’t enough for elite performance, opening the door to new services.
• Clinics are looking for innovative ways to expand their reach beyond traditional eye exams and corrective lenses.

For practices seeking new revenue streams and stronger patient loyalty, sports vision training is becoming a natural extension.

From Clinical Foundations to High Performance

Optometrists who expand into sports vision often start with rehabilitation services—helping patients recover from concussions, eye injuries, or visual processing issues. From there, it’s a short step into:

• Return-to-play readiness assessments
• Performance optimization programs for athletes of all levels
• Consultancy services for schools, academies, and professional teams

By layering sports vision training on top of existing assessments, clinics can build a reputation not just for eye care, but for complete vision-performance solutions.

Leaders Who Paved the Way

Some of the most respected sports vision specialists have shown what’s possible:

• Dr. Dan Laby, an ophthalmologist with decades of experience, consults for professional baseball and hockey teams, using sports vision science to give athletes measurable performance edges.
• Keith Smithson, optometrist and Director of Visual Performance for several pro teams, has built a career on bridging vision care with elite performance training.
• Dr. Aakash Shah, a neurodevelopmental optometrist, integrates sports vision training with visual assessments and therapies, helping athletes and patients alike enhance their performance, resilience, and daily functioning.

They have one thing in common: they voluntarily endorse NeuroTracker as one of the best tools available for perceptual-cognitive and sports vision training. Their work demonstrates that optometrists can raise their professional profiles, attract elite clients, and deliver results that go far beyond eye charts.

The NeuroTracker Advantage for Clinics

What makes NeuroTracker especially valuable for optometry practices is its unique combination of scientific credibility and business scalability:

• Research-validated: Backed by 120+ peer-reviewed studies across sports, rehab, and clinical populations.
• Patented dual-task design: Extends learning benefits into real-world performance, from the field to daily functioning.
• Remote revenue expansion: NeuroTracker has been validated as a lab-grade tool for home use, and can be used remotely with minimal instruction, allowing clinics to generate subscription-based revenue with little staff overhead.
• Client retention: Patients can continue training long after assessments, deepening loyalty and creating ongoing engagement.

Feedback from existing NeuroTracker clients consistently highlights that remote training requires minimal resources while opening new income streams.

Why Now?

Athlete demand is rising. Parents are investing in youth performance programs. Clinical awareness of concussion and visual rehab is stronger than ever. At the same time, optometry practices face competitive pressure from retail chains and online vision services.

Sports vision training represents a timely differentiator:

• Sets your clinic apart in a crowded market.
• Creates high-value services that patients can’t get from generic eye exams.
• Opens doors to partnerships with schools, academies, and even professional teams.

Key Takeaway

Optometry is becoming the hub for sports vision training because no other profession is better positioned to bridge eye health, rehabilitation, and human performance.

By following the lead of pioneers like Dr. Laby and Keith Smithson—and leveraging scientifically-backed tools like NeuroTracker—optometrists can transform their practices, enhance their profiles, and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need special equipment to offer sports vision training in my clinic?
A: No. NeuroTracker only requires a computer, 3D glasses, and a short training session to get clients started.

Q: Is sports vision training only for professional athletes?
A: Not at all. Optometrists are using NeuroTracker with youth athletes, weekend players, and even for patients recovering from concussions or managing ADHD.

Q: How much time does it take to integrate NeuroTracker into my practice?
A: Most clinics can get started quickly, and remote training options allow patients to continue sessions at home with little staff oversight.

Q: Can sports vision services really make a difference in business growth?
A: Yes. Clinics report that sports vision training sets them apart in competitive markets, strengthens client loyalty, and opens new revenue streams.