Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Therapy   

What is the difference between vision and eyesight?

Vision is a process by which the brain gathers information observed via the eyes. This process is learned and provides the brain with a way of observing the individual’s movement and surroundings.

Vision entails several skills including eye teaming, eye tracking, perceptual relationships, and focusing.

Eyesight is a physical process involving the detection of patterns of contrast and light via the eyes. Eyesight gives the individual the ability to see objects clearly at a predetermined distance. Eyesight is measured by visual acuity. Perfect eyesight is considered to be 20/20.

What is vision therapy?

Vision therapy is designed to correct deficiencies in the visual system caused by inadequate sensory and motor development, stress, or trauma to the nervous system.

Each of these deficiencies hinders the body’s ability to properly use the visual system. Because an individual’s vision deficiencies are unique, vision therapy is provided as a personalized treatment program.

During vision therapy, the brain learns how to utilize the eyes as a way of successfully gathering information, processing that data, and reacting to it accordingly.

Vision therapy usually entails the use of special filters, prisms, and lenses, along with processes known to improve the brain’s ability to direct eye movement, alignment and teamwork, and focusing ability. During vision therapy sessions, the body’s visual motor endurance and efficiency are developed and monitored.

All of the skills are combined to form automatic responses encouraged by integration of the cognitive and motor skills.

Can vision therapy help individuals that suffer from learning problems?

Vision therapy is an excellent resource for individuals with learning problems. It can be a vital portion of the total treatment plan for the person involved.

Sensorimotor and vision deficits have the ability to induce headaches, eye strain, double vision, blurred vision, problems with attention, and reading and learning deficiencies.

These ailments can affect highly intelligent and motivated individuals who are unfortunately handicapped by these vision problems, causing challenges in both professional and educational environments.

By correcting functional vision inabilities with therapy, an individual has the opportunity to function successfully at both work and school.

What are some learning-related symptoms associated with vision disorders? 

·       Dislike of reading and other work that requires close attention

·       Loss of place while copying or reading   

·       Problem completing projects in the time provided 

·       Leaving out or misunderstanding letters or words 

·       Distractibility, loses attention often

·       Blurred, unstable, or double vision 

·       Headaches, visual fatigue, or eyestrain connected to close work such as reading

How many individuals experience learning related vision disorders?

Overall, between 25 percent and 40 percent of the population experiences some form of a learning related vision disorder.

In individuals who have been diagnosed as learning disabled, dyslexic, or with ADD or ADHD, this figure increases to close to 90 percent.

What if the eyes are healthy and eyesight is 20/20 - is there still a need to believe the problem may be vision related?

Don’t count out vision skills simply based on one’s eyesight ability and healthy eyes. Perfect eyesight does not translate into perfect vision skills.

Most individuals who experience sensorimotor or vision deficiencies maintain healthy eyes and 20/20 vision. The handicap often lies within the eye’s ability to focus, align, and endure the challenges of performing simple assignments.

For this reason, visual learning problems can be missed during a traditional eye exam or school screening.

How can I find a qualified doctor to diagnose and treat a vision deficiency?

If you have been diagnosed with strabismus (eye turn) and/or amblyopia (lazy eye) or you would like more extensive therapy after you have completed your Vision Therapy at Home program, you will want to look for an optometrist who specializes in this work

Optometrists who provide exclusive services in the areas of vision therapy and learning related disorders typically hold an advanced post-doctoral certification.

Look for a doctor who has a membership with the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, which is considered the professional standard.

By utilizing a doctor with these credentials, you can be assured that you have retained the best possible treatment.

What other problems can vision therapy treat?

Strabismus (eye turns in or out) can be successfully treated with vision therapy. Aside from surgical intervention, vision therapy is actually the only alternative form of treatment for this condition and generally gets much better long term results than surgical intervention. 

In addition, vision therapy can be used to treat amblyopia (lazy eye) regardless of age.

Lastly, visual impairments caused by injury to the brain can be treated with vision therapy.

Although these conditions cannot be treated with a Vision Therapy at Home program, they can be very effectively treated by an in-office vision therapy program directed by a developmental optometrist.

How many types of vision therapy are available?

Not all vision therapy is created equal. There are several different options when it comes to treatment.

Approaches depend on an assortment of factors including the individual’s ailment and the doctor providing the services.

Before starting a vision therapy program, be sure to understand what the program entails, the qualifications of the doctor and therapists condutingthe treatment, and the expected results.

Vision Therapy at Home was developed by Dr. Lori Mowbray who is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development as well as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.  This program is modeled after her extremely successful in-office vision therapy programs.

Dr. Mowbray presides over one of the largest vision therapy practices in the country, and has successfully treated thousands of patients with learning-related vision disorders.

Does vision therapy utilize the use of computers, and should all vision therapy be done on computers?

The computer plays a major role in the administration of vision therapy, and the computer’s exclusive properties allow doctors to add variations to the development of visual skills. 

We utilize state-of-the-art technology and software to enhance visual recognition, mental analysis, memory skills, manipulation abilities and eye-hand coordination during certain phases of the Vision Therapy at Home program. 

However, computers are not the only tools used in our vision therapy programs as the individual also needs to learn visual skills in open space as well as on the computer monitor. 

Vision Therapy at Home is superior to any other home vision therapy program because it utilizes both computerized activities and activities performed in the "real world" (free space). 

It also contains exact directions to be used by the participant so that the symptoms are not worsened by incorrect performance of the procedures. 

Can an individual’s self esteem be affected by a functional vision problem?

Absolutely. Individuals who suffer from vision dysfunctions often experience constant frustration and underachievement.

In turn, the individual may determine that he or she is ineffective because they are not as “smart” as their peers. This conclusion can lead to a lack of confidence and self-esteem.

Therefore, by correcting the vision problem, the individual can improve his or her self-esteem and performance significantly.

Once my vision therapy program is complete, how long can I expect the results to last?

Most patients experience long-term resolution of their symptoms after vision therapy is completed.

By continuing to use the skills acquired through therapy in daily life, the patient in fact reinforces the skills and visual abilities so that the skills learned in therapy become habit.