- Bernell Corporation
Bernell Corporation was begun by Bernard Vodnoy and his wife Elsye in 1954. He sold the company after many years and it ran into financial problems. In 1997, the assests and name were purchased and the company rebuilt by Craig Andrews OD and his wife Judy. Charles Shearer OD was also instrumental in rebuilding the company. He and Craig were classmates in Optometry School (IU 1979). Dr. Shearer had been a consultant with Bernell since graduation.
Bernell is the world leader in visual therapy equipment. The company is actually a Division of Vision Training Products, Inc. headquartered at 4016 N. Home Street, Mishawaka, IN 46545. The company is run by Al Martin. [ Bernell@Charter. [http://www.bernell@charter.com] . Retrieved November 30 2007. ]
The company has distributors in 25 countries and sells 30 percent of its products outside the US. Bernell sends out a yearly catalog and sells by internet.
Products
Bernell has several exclusive products that are widely known and used including the Aperture Rule©, Bernell-O-Scope©, DEM©, Occlud-A-Measure©, Cling Patch©, Saladin Card©, Face Dot Test©, Guide to Vision Therapy©, Broken Wheel Test©, Tranaglyphs©, Stereo Trainers©, MIT©, Lantern Test©, Mirror Stereoscope©, and NYSOA Vision Screening Battery©.
These products are meant to be used under the supervision of an
optometrist orophthalmologist either in an office setting or with home therapy. Many school systems now are active in vision therapy under the guidance of a doctor. Some of the products that do not use lenses or prisms are used in school programs by teachers. Occupational therapists are using bernell's products in programs to aid students or patients with visual damage from accidents or strokes.There are a few items that are made for public use without the direction of a practitioner. However, Bernell recommends a thorough visual examination prior to use of any VT equipment.
Vision Therapy began in the US, but has spread to
Spain ,Italy ,Mexico ,Canada ,Hong Kong ,Israel ,Sweden ,Australia and other countries.References
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