Vision-Related Learning Difficulties

About Vision-Related Learning Difficulties

Unlike self-directed programs of “eye exercises” marketed to the public, in-office optometric vision therapy is conducted under the supervision of an optometrist and supported by ongoing, evidence-based scientific research.

The goal of optometric vision therapy (“VT”) is not to strengthen the eye muscles. Your eye muscles are already incredibly strong and the vision problems VT aims to treat are rarely caused by muscle weakness. Instead, vision therapy aims to retrain the learned aspected of vision through the recently understood concept of neuroplasticity.

Vision therapy is safe, drug-free, and effective for both children and adults! While visual acuity (the “20/20” part of vision) requires glasses to improve, visual skills such as tracking together along a line of text must be learned during development, these skills can also be improved later in life at any age.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 children have a vision problem severe enough to affect their learning in school, but school vision screenings can miss up to half of these problems. A comprehensive vision exam with a developmental optometrist checks all aspects of eye health, vision, and visual skills, and can ensure you or your child is not struggling unnecessarily with an undiagnosed vision problem.

Most people don’t realize that you need 17 visual skills to succeed in reading, learning, sports, and in life!

Visit www.covd.org or www.oepf.org/about-oepf/ to learn more.
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