Concussion Certification
Vision acts as a primary driver and modulator of post-concussive symptoms, influencing Brain and Functional Neurology: vestibular integration, postural control, spatial orientation, attention, and autonomic tone.
Brain
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Vision
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Concussion
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Certification
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Coach CVA²
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Brain ✳︎ Vision ✳︎ Concussion ✳︎ Certification ✳︎ Coach CVA² ✳︎
Why This Certification?
Unique Program Design
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The certification program is designed as a comprehensive, year-long, hybrid education and mentorship experience centered around Dr. DeAnn Fitzgerald’s vision-based concussion management framework: the Coach CVA² model. The structure combines online didactic education, hands-on clinical immersion, mentorship, competency testing, and final certification.
Combines Functional Neurology + Vision
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The course integrates objective visual–motor metrics, multi-system therapy, and hands-on clinical application, allowing participants to immediately translate functional neurology principles into reproducible concussion care.
What makes this program different?
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We combine theory with hands on practical application. We provide online modules [10 modules] starting in January 2027. Then join in Dr. Fitzgerald’s clinic for the practical weekend - spring 2027, where Participants will:
Work directly with rehabilitation equipment
Practice Coach CVA² implementation
Demonstrate competency in assessment and intervention
Apply multi-system concussion strategies in clinical scenarios
A mentorship model will complete the year of training, so that by the end of 2027 you will have knowledge, competency, and clinical Certification.
The program content involves:
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Neuroanatomy
Neurophysiology
Vision-based rehabilitation
Multi-system concussion management
Functional and practical application and competency development
Meet Dr. Fitzgerald, OD
Dr. Fitzgerald has created a unique program based on her vast experience with neuro-rehabilitation within her own clinic structure. She's identified Coach CVA² phenotypes and the sequence: autonomics → posture/spatial → ocular-vestibular integration → cognition.
Her skill as an educator is known through the Optometry and Functional Neurology professions. She's packaged her knowledge into this unique Certification Program - the Coach CVA² model.COACH CVA² framework
Dr. DeAnn Fitzgerald is a nationally recognized optometrist and leader in neuro-optometric rehabilitation and concussion care, serving on the board as the Immediate Past President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA).
She is the founder of Cedar Rapids Vision in Motion, a multidisciplinary clinic specializing in the treatment of concussion, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions, where she applies a whole-brain, functional approach to restoring neurological performance and quality of life.
A college athlete and coach herself, Dr. Fitzgerald also developed Active Evolution Studio, a sports vision and concussion-focused performance center that works with amateur and professional athletes across multiple sports. Her work has included implementing large-scale baseline concussion testing programs, with over 20,000 athletes screened, and collaborating with youth football programs to establish near-universal preseason baseline protocols.
Her clinical and performance protocols have gained attention at the highest levels of sport, including interest from the National Football League, reflecting her impact on advancing concussion management and athlete safety.
Dr. Fitzgerald has a special interest in sports vision performance and concussion. She attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where she played softball and basketball. At Pacific University, she went to the NCAA softball nationals two years in a row. She taught pitching and batting clinics and was umpire in chief of softball tournaments for high school students. Dr. Fitzgerald also played semi-professional softball in the 1980’s.
Dr. Fitzgerald has lectured nationally and internationally about neuro-rehabilitation and concussion. She is CIC certified in ImPACT, which is a web-based product used in concussion management.
Dr. Fitzgerald is a member of American Optometric Association (AOA), Iowa Optometric Association (IOA), College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF), and International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation (IAFNR).
2027 In Person Event
Cedar Rapids - Active Evolution Studio
“Dr. Fitzgerald is an excellent communicator and teacher. She takes complex Functional Neurology and Vision centered concepts and breaks them down into practical protocols of assessment, and treatment.”
Dr. Hughes