Theresa J. Ruggiero, OD

I went from being in excruciating pain and being only partially functional to thriving with Dr. Ruggiero's help. I had been having issues with my eyes for years - prescriptions just not being right no matter what, splitting headaches verging on migraines that left me unable to function. My memory was also becoming truly horrible as was my coordination, although I didn't connect those to my eyes at the time. After not getting any better even though I kept going back to my original optometrist numerous times, I decided I needed to look elsewhere. Reading about what Dr. Ruggiero does in terms of assessing the complete experience of vision and seeing, including how visual information is processed by the brain, clicked with me. I had a gut feeling she might be able to explain to me why I was having the symptoms that I was - and what to do about it! Now, I don't have any vision insurance so even a regular eye exam wasn't going to be covered and indeed her initial exams are very expensive, but I literally couldn't go on in the pain that I was in, so I made the initial 4 hour appointment. Yes, my first appointment took a little over 4 hours but none of that time was waiting around...I was put through a barrage of tests unlike I had ever experienced. I was excited because the way they were looking at HOW I see and experience what I see was so completely different from any other doctor previously. I was determined to have convergence insufficiency - my eyes do not work that well together - and they also were not coordinating well with my inner ear (balance) or brain (memory). At the end of that first visit I was in tears because here was a person - and a medical specialists at that - who was able to really explain to me why my experiences were the way they were - and really had been for my whole life (I'm 56 as I write this). I felt understood in a way I never had before...it was actually quite moving - and hopeful. I went through a series of in-office and home MST (multi sensory training) to re-pattern my brain processes. Within a couple of weeks I was experiencing dramatic relief. My the end of the MST my headaches were basically gone, whereas I had been getting them about 3 to 4 times a week and they would sideline me and put me to bed! I am hoping to complete some vision training once I have additional funds. Here's the short of it: Dr. Ruggiero's treatment is expensive, but I truly believe that it was the exact medical treatment that I needed and I am so very grateful to have her so nearby. The MST comes with a series of visits, some very lengthy - often in the 2 hour range - and as a patient I felt very attended to. If you are experiencing issues with your eyes that no other doctor has been able to help you with - I would highly suggest considering Dr. Ruggiero. I have been pain free for a few months at this point and am extremely thankful. Dede

I am forever indebted to Northampton Vision Specialists for literally saving my life - that is - giving me a second chance at living life again. I live in London, United Kingdom, and will be relocating to Northampton temporarily for continued vision therapy, medical appointments, and functional vision testing. For six years, since the onset of violently disruptive and devastating eye movement side effects from strabismus surgery (no-less at a well-known, highly reputable eye hospital), I suffered an insurmountable level of chronic pain, tension, and nervous system shut down as a result of severe visual processing difficulties as a surgical side effect. I took almost 2 years off of work for disability leave because I could no longer cope, after the surgery (which was supposed to keep my vision unchanged, or better yet improve it, but it had done the exact extreme opposite) - with any visual load. Exactly 2 months ago, I decided to fly to Northampton and give this clinic a try. Within the first 3 days of testing and treatment (through a highly rigorous, progressive and evidence based, yet empathetic approach) - already my worst, most devastating symptoms were nearly gone, and I cried every night with joy at how my life was unexpectedly going to change so much. I had spent the prior 6 years feeling excruciating eye pain and visual instability at even basic tasks such as making eye contact with my partner, family, and friends. Even closing my eyes would not stop the pain as my eyes would swing violently in their sockets even when I was not looking at anything and my eyes were closed. After countless medical appointments to address all the symptoms from this - it turned out that quality, well-informed, and data-driven vision therapy for a functional visual disorder was exactly what I needed. I am currently undergoing remote vision therapy before I relocate to Northampton in the short term to get in-clinic treatment. With each remote session and daily vision therapy homework, I am getting so many joyful moments and insights, such as being able to comfortably look at a group of 4-5 people again, or comfortably sit still without excruciating eye pain, or being able to start reading licence plates of cars as they pass by the road. Previously, all of this (let alone working in corporate) would have been either impossible or harmful to my health. I am so excited at what this upcoming period of further rehab is going to empower me to do. It's not even about the outcome for me of this vision therapy - it's about the fact that the doctors, techicians, vision therapists, and all other members of staff at this clinic are 100% committed to the highest standard care of patients and have the utmost knowledge and collaboration amongst themselves. Even now, as my vision is far, far from where it needs to be - I have gotten so much of my life back already, and I quite honestly - owe my life to them. Thank you, Northampton Vision Specialists!

Excellent, EXCELLENT place. I cannot praise it enough. I strongly advise against buying into the popular myth that developmental optometry is quackery. The doctors here have saved what aspects of my sight can be saved without major eye surgery, and they really care. They spent literally four hours with me to discover what was wrong with my vision, and found that I suffer from several functional visual problems and severe eye floaters. Their weekly treatment of the former problems has been miraculously effective. Their empathy in light of my suffering from (possibly incurable) floaters has been wonderfully validating. The doctors here rightly understand vision as a holistic process involving eyeball health AND the coordination of the eyes and brain. Come here if you possibly can!

This is a wonderful place. Saw Dr. Hannigan on a last minute cancelled appointment space and I can't say enough good things about the whole experience, from the receptionist to the doctor. They are all considerate, thorough, helpful, and very competent. The office is friendly and well organized. Good experience all around.