About VisionFirst
VisionFirst is dedicated to enhancing lives through vision improvement.
Established in 1977, our practice offers a holistic approach to family vision care and visual wellness, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral, sensorimotor, neuro-rehabilitative, and learning related vision problems for all ages ranging from infants to senior citizens.
We provide Vision Therapy (VT) & Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation and Optimization Services
Additionally, we offer Sensory Integration oriented Occupational Therapy (OT) in the same office, and are proud to continue to be considered the gold standard of integrating these fields. For those patients who receive VT and OT through our office, our uniquely combined treatment approach facilitates optimal development and allows patients the opportunity to reach their full potential. While many of the patients we treat are children and adolescents, about half of our VT practice is comprised of adults with visual dysfunction.
A large component of the practice involves the evaluation and treatment of those with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), concussion, stroke, sensory integration dysfunction, and sensory processing issues.
VisionFirst is one of the only optometric practices that provides its patients the opportunity to receive both Optometric Vision Therapy and Sensory-Integration oriented Occupational Therapy in the same office.
Meet The Team
Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, OD, FCOVD
Founder & CEO
Dr. Appelbaum is on a mission to change the way the world views vision. He believes there is more to vision than just 20/20 eyesight and has developed programs to retrain the brain to revise the eyes.
Dr. Appelbaum has been featured on the front page of USA Today, on CBS, in the New York Times Magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and as the cover story of OT Advance. He was the 2022 recipient of The Future of Health Award at the Mindshare Leadership Summit and has shared the stage with Dr. Joe Dispenza, Marie Forleo, and JJ Virgin. Dr. Appelbaum is a frequent podcast and media guest, having recently been interviewed on MindBodyGreen, Chris Kresser’s Revolution Health Radio, and Cynthia Thurlow’s Everyday Wellness.
Dr Appelbaum is a pioneer in neuro-optometry passionate about unlocking life’s potential through vision. His expertise includes reorganizing the visual brain post-concussion to return to learn and return to life, remediating visual developmental delays interfering with reading and learning, and enhancing visual skills to elevate sports performance.
Dr. Appelbaum has worked with hundreds of professional athletes, numerous professional and collegiate sports teams, and countless amateur athletes to transform raw talent into honed performance through vision. These athletes include:
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and NWSL players
- Professional golfers, volleyball and tennis players, race car drivers
- Olympic fencers, gymnasts, swimmers, skiers, archers, and shooters
- The Misdiagnoses and Missed Opportunities of Vision: Why healthcare has it all wrong about the eyes
- The new pandemic: Why screens are ruining our eyes
- Is it ADD/ADHD or a Hidden Vision Problem?
- Why eye patches and eye muscle surgery are a major disservice to your child?
- Why knowing the difference between eyesight and vision could change your life
- Vision Therapy: The missing piece to concussion recovery
VisionFirst Leadership Team
Dr. Katherine Cioffi
Vision Therapy Director
Dr. Cioffi is highly trained in the vision therapy space, known for providing exceptional care with a personal touch.
As clinical director of Vision Therapy, Dr. Cioffi ensures that each patient’s unique needs are addressed with individualized treatment programs.
Dr. Cioffi is truly passionate about the transformative power of vision therapy for all ages and is dedicated to establishing long-lasting relationships with each patient.
Dr. Raha Fahimi
Comprehensive Care Director
Dr. Fahimi is a compassionate and highly skilled optometrist with a passion for providing exceptional eye care to her patients. Dr. Fahimi’s extensive expertise encompasses comprehensive eye examinations, vision therapy best practice, contact lens fittings, and the diagnosis and management of various eye conditions. Her warm and caring approach creates a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your vision concerns and receiving tailored solutions to enhance your visual wellness.
Dr. Tiari-Jay Fernandez
Associate Doctor
Sheila Levine
Patient Success Manager
Megan Diment
Operations Manager
Amanda Appelbaum
Lead Health Coach
The Team
Therapists & Assistants
Book An Evaluation
Contact us now to learn how you can book a vision evaluation and get started on your journey towards optimal vision.
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