Vision Therapy & Binocular Vision

As defined in a Joint Organizational Policy Statement of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association, vision therapy is a sequence of activities individually prescribed and monitored by the doctor to develop efficient visual skills and processing.

Vision Therapy is prescribed after a comprehensive eye examination has been performed and has indicated that vision therapy is an appropriate treatment option. The vision therapy program is based on the results of standardized tests, the needs of the patient, and the patient’s signs and symptoms. The use of lenses, prisms, filters, occluders, specialized instruments, and computer programs is an integral part of vision therapy.

Vision Therapy = Physical Therapy for your Eyes!In some respects, vision therapy is like physical therapy for the eyes. Rather than treating the muscles of the body, it works on the eyes and visual system through eye-brain connections.

It is an invaluable tool that changes not only the vision of our patients, but improves many related areas of their lives as well. It can literally be life changing!

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) notes that optometric vision therapy is supported by ongoing evidence-based scientific research. Recent research published on optometric vision therapy. Conditions that are treatable with vision therapy are strabismus (an eye-turn), amblyopia (lazy eye), binocular vision disorders and visual processing disorders. These conditions have the ability to negatively influence performance at school or on the job. Your doctor at NSVC will perform a comprehensive eye examination and inform you if additional testing is indicated. We work closely with other professionals including ophthalmologists, reading specialists, occupational therapists, and educators to help provide the best care in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Common Vision Disorders:

Many vision disorders are undetectable without a developmental vision examination. It is estimated by the American Optometric Association that 1 out every 4 children has a vision problem that can negatively impact learning. The only way to diagnose and to properly treat these visual dysfunctions is to visit with a vision specialist who tests for these conditions. If you feel that your child is not performing up to his/her potential and they have not been evaluated by a developmental optometrist then their visual skills related to learning may not have been appropriately evaluated. Schedule an appointment today!

Not Just For Kids:

Vision problems that have not been addressed in youth become vision problems in adulthood. In addition many vision problems occur secondary to acquired brain injury, concussion and other events that occur in adulthood. Vision therapy has been used for decades to successfully treat visual dysfunction in adults. Recent research supports neuro plasticity in adulthood which is why vision therapy can be successful regardless of age.