Episode 27

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Published on:

20th May 2026

My Concussion Story | What I Learned About Brain Injury, Vision Problems & Recovery with Dr. Jacqueline Theis

One snowboard crash changed everything. After suffering a concussion while snowboarding in Canada, Dr. Joseph Allen shares the emotional and physical reality of concussion recovery, traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and vision problems after concussion on this episode of the Doctor Eye Health podcast. Joined by neuro-optometrist Dr. Jacqueline Theis, they break down post-traumatic amnesia, brain injury rehabilitation, and how modern concussion treatment has evolved beyond simply resting in a dark room.

What You Will Learn

✅ How concussion symptoms can appear without headaches or dizziness

✅ Why vision problems are common after traumatic brain injuries

✅ How memory loss and post-traumatic amnesia affect recovery

✅ Why active rehabilitation improves concussion recovery outcomes

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Key Timestamps

  • (00:00) Dr. Joseph Allen shares his snowboarding concussion story in Canada
  • (01:11) Dr. Jacqueline Theis explains her experience treating concussion patients
  • (03:06) The Snowboarding Accident in Canada and the missing memory gap begins
  • (06:41) Early Signs of Concussion and Memory Loss
  • (09:24) Hidden Concussion Symptoms and ER Decision
  • (12:21) Post-Traumatic Amnesia and Anxiety After Brain Injury
  • (15:27) Inside the Quebec ER Experience
  • (18:30) Modern Concussion Recovery and Brain Injury Rehab
  • (21:26) Exercise, Whiplash Recovery, and Vision Rehabilitation
  • (25:00) Why Concussion Symptoms Can Last for Years
  • (26:24) The Importance of Multidisciplinary Concussion Care

Key Takeaways

🔹 Concussions can happen even without obvious symptoms

🔹 Vision dysfunction is common after brain injuries

🔹 Recovery approaches for concussion have changed dramatically

🔹 Patients can still improve years after a concussion

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About Dr. Jacqueline Theis

Dr. Jacqueline Theis is a neuro-optometrist specializing in concussion rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury vision therapy, and neurological vision disorders. She completed her optometry training and neuro-optometric residency at University of California, Berkeley and has spent over a decade working alongside leading brain injury physicians, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists helping patients recover from concussion-related vision dysfunction and neurological symptoms.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-theis-od-faao/

Resources & Links

DISCLAIMER:

This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Watching this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or eye care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor or health professional. In addition, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

concussion recovery, concussion symptoms, traumatic brain injury, vision problems after concussion, concussion rehabilitation, post traumatic amnesia, neuro optometry, brain injury recovery, concussion treatment, snowboarding concussion, head injury recovery, vision therapy, traumatic brain injury recovery, concussion podcast, Dr Joseph Allen, Dr Jacqueline Theis, neuro optometrist, eye health podcast, brain injury rehabilitation, concussion vision problems

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About the Podcast

Doctor Eye Health Podcast
Your eyes are talking. Learn to listen.


The Doctor Eye Health Podcast keeps eye care simple and practical.. Rooted in timeless clinical wisdom with modern optometry research, Dr. Joseph Allen, a board-certified eye doctor and trusted educator, delivers vision care tips that help you protect your eyesight for life.


This optometry podcast covers the topics people actually search for: dry eye routines that work, eye floater treatments, myopia control, cataracts, glaucoma, thyroid eye disease, and eye strain from screen time. You’ll also hear clear talk on blue light, contact lens hygiene, kids’ vision, nutrition for eye and brain health, red light therapy, smart eyewear, and when LASIK or other eye surgeries make sense. Whether you wear glasses or contacts, are preparing for an eye exam, study optometry, or just want daily eye health tips, you’ll find practical steps you can use at home and in the clinic.


Dr. Allen brings in world-class experts to explain what works, what doesn’t, and what’s still being studied. New content drops reliably: one in-depth interview each month and at least one bite-size weekly lesson with usable checklists, myth busting, and vision advice you can trust.


What you will learn
✅ How to build daily habits that reduce eye strain and protect vision
✅ Clear, evidence-based explainers on eye diseases and treatment options
✅ Which supplements and nutrition choices support eye and brain health
✅ How sleep, stress, hormones, and inflammation affect your eyesight
✅ What to ask your eye doctor and how to prep for exams or surgery
✅ The truth about blue light, red light therapy, smart eyewear, and LASIK


Tap follow and turn on notifications so the next episode is always in your line of sight. The Doctor Eye Health Podcast gives you trusted insight from a board-certified optometrist, approachable education that fits a normal day, and a balanced view that connects the clinic to everyday life. Stronger habits. Smarter choices. Healthier eyes.


About the Host

Dr. Joseph Allen is a board-certified optometrist and educator who makes eye health education simple and evidence-based. He connects vision, brain, sleep, and lifestyle so listeners can protect sight with confidence. On Doctor Eye Health, he blends classic clinical wisdom with current research and eye health tips you can use today.


Resource Links
Website: www.doctoreyehealth.com
YouTube: Doctor Eye Health
Instagram: @doctoreyehealth
TikTok: @doctoreyehealth
Facebook: Doctor Eye Health
LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen


Disclaimer: The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. In addition, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

About your host

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Joseph Allen