Delta Gamma and Trauma Trained Neurosurgeon, Edie Zusman, visits Anchor Center

As a Trauma Trained Neurosurgeon, I had the privilege of visiting Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver, CO, in the Summer of 2024. Seeing first-hand how our [Delta Gamma] fraternity’s Service for Sight focus has evolved since my first exposure to it as a Sigma at Northwestern over 40 years ago was profoundly inspiring. Similar to patients whom I care for with brain injury, I learned that the number one cause of blindness in children is no longer due to problems in the eyes, but with problems in the brain. Developmental and acquired changes in the visual cortex/occipital lobe in the back of the brain that makes sense of the images coming through the eyes is called Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Anchor Center is a recognized leader in research and early intervention for CVI, specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of this complex condition. Their transdisciplinary team of specialists are developing cutting-edge programs tailored to the unique needs of children with CVI, collaborating with other thought leaders, and creating research-based screenings and protocols for professionals, educators, and parents to improve care and support. Most children with CVI will not regain normal vision. However, early identification, assessment, and early interventions make significant improvements in functional vision possible.To help identify potential vision concerns, try these simple steps with your infant:

• Makes eye contact with you
• Will look intently at an interesting object held in front of them
• Will look at objects held above the head, below the chin, and to the child’s left and right
• Shifts gaze between two interesting objects held in front of them

If you have questions or concerns, it’s important to speak with your child’s pediatrician or contact the experts at Anchor Center for guidance (anchorcenter.org).”Written by Dr. Edie Zusman, MD, MBA, FAANS and Delta Gamma

ABOUT EDIE: Dr. Zusman is a nationally respected trauma neurosurgeon and Medical Director of Neuroscience Partners. She is known for her clinical research on brain injury resulting from unrecognized concussions and multiple concussions including; child abuse, sexual assault, trauma/accidents, military service and law enforcement.