Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is the term used to describe a wide range of activities used to improve visual skills, and enhance vision (for an explanation of what is meant by vision, see information sheets on behavioural optometry). These techniques include those traditionally known as orthoptics, but go way beyond just exercising eye muscles.

The behavioural optometrist sees the visual system as part of the overall sensory mechanism in the body - and the dominant means of acquiring information from the world about us. He believes that vision is in part a learned skill developing from birth right through in to adulthood. As such, if are able to learn how to see, then we should also be able to train such skills, and vision therapy does just that.

Vision therapy programmes work on a number of skill areas, including:-

By concentrating on these skills the subject can learn to use the skills in an automated manner, without having to put either thought - or effort into seeing, and understanding.

The effects of vision therapy can be seen in easier, more productive study and reading, better co-ordination skills, and greater confidence in the world in general. It is usual to see symptoms such as eyestrain and headaches disappear with training, and to see better place keeping and fluency in reading. Performance in sport is also usually improved - indeed, vision therapy programmes are established as a key part of high level sports training programmes.

VT is best carried out in-practice, under the expert eye of a vision therapist, but may also be prescribed for home use - or as a combination of both approaches. In practice, the therapist may monitor activities, and modify them as soon as changes are noted; children often respond better to working with someone from outside their family, than with a family member, and the discipline of going out to a therapy session often helps to encourage them to continue with home therapy as well.

VT sessions are designed to be fun, and in a session activities may include such diverse tasks as balancing on wobble boards, drawing with electronic pens, practising focusing with special glasses, or working with 3D pictures - sometimes on computer. Home training activities are kept very simple, and any equipment that may be required is normally supplied, or is easily available in the home. Some home therapy is available for use on home computers, guaranteed to keep a child's interests.

Sessions take place with either an optometrist, or a trained vision therapist, who works in conjunction with an optometrist. When a child is attending for a course of vision therapy we commence with an introductory, or orientation session in which our therapist will carry out several screening activities, issue the home therapy folder and discuss any relevant issues with you. We have found that this session makes the child feel at home much quicker, and facilitates the programme overall.

If you would like more information on vision therapy, please arrange an appointment for assessment with the practice, and we will be pleased to advise you.