What is Vision?
Vision is often thought of as the ability to see clearly. In fact, this is our eyesight– the eyeball’s ability to see small or detailed things in the distance or up close. Vision includes eyesight, but is really a much more complex process using both our eyes and our brain.
Vision is our most dominant sense for interacting with our environment. The main purpose of our vision is to derive meaning and direct action. It is closely related to overall development and our performance in school work, sports and recreation.
What are some signs of visual problems?
As our vision is involved in nearly every aspect of our lives, the signs of visual problems can vary greatly. Things you may notice include frequent headaches, holding reading material too close, poor handwriting skills, poor movement and co-ordination or losing your place when reading. You can also look at the comprehensive symptom checklist.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a program of weekly sessions and home learning designed to train the brain to use vision more efficiently. It includes, but is not limited to, the treatment of focusing problems, eye tracking and movement problems, eye teaming problems and visual processing problems. An individual program is designed for each patient, depending on their needs. This program is based on an international clinical curriculum.
What areas can Vision Therapy help with?
The goal of Vision Therapy is to provide the patient with a clear, accurate and efficient visual system that enables them to reach their potential. The range of benefits from doing therapy is very wide. Younger patients notice that they are able to improve school grades. Generally, physical coordination and self-confidence improves and they are able to attend to tasks for longer. Adults become more confident when driving and notice improved efficiency doing office work. Most people find they read more easily and enjoy reading more.
What does Vision therapy involve?
- Vision Therapy training sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis with the patient and Vision Therapist. These sessions take about 45minutes.
- Home Vision Therapy exercises are scheduled between sessions. It is expected that the patient will complete 20 to 30 minutes of these exercises five days a week.
- Home Vision Therapy is vital for the program to be effective.
Please feel free to ask one of our friendly staff if you have any further questions about Vision Therapy. You can also find further information here on our website. Another useful resource is the Australian College of Behavioural Optometry’s website: acbo.org.au