25% Of School-Aged Children Have Visual Issues That Affect Learning
WHAT IS VISION THERAPY?
Vision Therapy are special exercises that are tailored to the particular needs of the patient. The goal of these exercises is to teach the brain and the eyes to work together more effectively. Our Vision Therapy Optometrist Dr. Kristen Robinson has a keen interest in binocular vision and vision therapy and has completed extensive training, including completing the clinical curriculum through the OEPF, along with courses through the COVD and COVT&R. She has recently opened a vision therapy practice at our sister office, Saugeen Shores Vision Therapy Centre.
CHILDREN, LEARNING DISORDERS, & VISION
Vision issues can cause significant behavioral and learning challenges for children. Often, these challenges manifest in ways that are often confused with
- ADD,
- ADHD,
- Reading problems, and
- Poor focus.
This can result in misdiagnosis. If children exhibiting these symptoms receive a negative diagnosis, this leave teachers and parents feeling helpless and uncertain. If you are concerned about your student or child.
Over 80% of learning is visual:
3 in 4 children with reading disabilities are affected by visual dysfunction.
Learning Disorders and Vision:
What Does The Research Say?
Learning Disorders and Your Vision
60% of learning disabled students failed two or more binocular vision tests according to research by the Waterloo School of Optometry.
The study was performed on students who had never received an eye exam and did not wear glasses or contacts. The research confirmed that children with learning disabilities, especially reading related learning disabilities have an extremely strong chance of having binocular issues (problems with the eye working together).
Binocular Vision Issues are Quite Common!
According to research performed by The American Academy Of Optometry 32% of University students had Binocular Vision Issues. The conclusion of this study is:
"Because these dysfunctions have a negative effect on performance, appropriate vision evaluation for this population is extremely important.
In this study 31% of the students needed Vision Therapy for symptoms such as eye strain, double vision and headaches.
More About Vision Therapy...
What is Binocular Vision?
Who Needs Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy is a Doctor of Optometry supervised program designed to improve the function of the vision system – it’s often referred to as physical therapy for the eyes and brain – allowing better visual comfort, visual efficiency, and grace of movement.
It can help the struggling reader, the athlete, someone who has suffered a brain injury or those with dyslexia or ADHD.
Binocular vision (or eye coordination) is the ability of both eyes to work together as a team. Good eye coordination keeps the eyes in proper alignment.
A minor misalignment of your eyes can cause symptoms such as double vision, dizziness, fatigue and headaches.
Anyone interested in improving their vision can benefit from Vision Therapy.
Many have thought that Vision Therapy had only applied to children. However, this is not so. Speak to your optometrist about how you can benefit from Vision Therapy at any age.
Vision Therapy Facts
Vision Therapy Programs
Learning Disorders & Vision
Did you know your child can have “20/20” eyesight and still have vision problems that can affect their learning and classroom performance?
A Vision Therapy program can last 20 to 52 weeks and sometimes longer. This will depend on the individual’s diagnosis, their age, and their commitment and participation level in the program. Vision Therapy is individualized to the unique needs of the patient.
Over 80% of learning is visual. Vision issues can cause significant behavioral and learning challenges for children.