TEAM Resource Library Topic: Vision Therapy
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy, also referred to as visual or vision training, is an individualized treatment program designed to correct visual motor and/or perceptual-cognitive deficiencies. Causes include inadequate sensory motor development, trauma to the nervous system (e.g., birth injury, brain trauma, closed head trauma) and hereditary factors (i.e. crossed-eyes, wandering eyes). Vision therapy trains the entire visual system, including the eyes, brain and body.
The goal is to train the patient’s brain to use the eyes to receive information effectively, comprehend it quickly and react appropriately. Vision Therapy sessions include procedures designed to enhance the brain’s ability to control eye alignment, eye movements, focusing abilities and eye teamwork (binocular vision). Visual-motor skills and endurance are developed through the use of specialized computer and optical devices, including therapeutic lenses, prisms and filters. During the final stages of therapy, the patient’s newly-acquired visual skills are reinforced through repetition and by integration with motor and cognitive skills.
Common Misdiagnosis of Learning and Attention Problems
When a child learns to read and write, many problems are exacerbated by poorly-developed visual skills. Undiagnosed vision disorders are often misdiagnosed as learning disabilities or even ADD/ADHD. Before classifying a child as learning disabled or ADD/ADHD, a full vision screening and evaluation should be performed by an optometrist trained in Developmental Vision Therapy. Vision Therapy improves many skills that allow a person to pay attention. Testing assures that both eyes are working together as a team. Vision is more than clarity; it combines learned skills such as tracking, fixation, focus, change, binocular fusion and visualization. When all of these are fully developed, children and adults can sustain attention, read and write without careless errors, give meaning to what they hear and see and rely less on movement to stay alert.
Thank you to Vision Therapist Nathan Simpson for his contributions to and review of this content.
Northwest Arkansas Developmental Vision Therapists:
Dr. Megan Petty, Centerton Family Eye Care, Centerton, AR, Accepts AR Medicaid
Nathan Simpson, Advanced Family Eye Care, Springdale, AR, Accepts AR Medicaid
Dr. Micah Thomason, Advanced Family Eye Care, Springdale, AR, Accepts AR Medicaid
Do you recommend a particular Vision Therapist? We would love to share your information with others. share@childrenstherapyteam.com