VISION THERAPY
Vision therapy strengthens the brain and visual system connection through neuroplasticity. Treatment includes specialized tools and equipment, such as therapeutic lenses, prisms, filters, and digital interactive targets. It is supported by ongoing evidence-based scientific research. Personal plans are established and supervised by developmental optometrists. Many believe that vision therapy is only for children. However, adults have just as much need for this type of visual care. Unfortunately, plenty of people have visual difficulties sustaining near-centered work, including reading, writing, and computer use. When people have trouble using both eyes together or can't focus for a long time, they do not simply grow out of these problems. Children with visual problems often become adults with visual difficulties. But the good news is that they can be addressed and vastly improved.
THE VISUAL SYSTEM
VISION IS COMPLEX
The vision process involves over 20 visual abilities and more than 65% of all the pathways to the brain.
VISION IS OUR #1 SENSE FOR LEARNING
Over 80% of what we learn is processed through our visual system. Delays or impairments in this sensory system can impact you or your child's ability to succeed in school, at work, and in daily life.
VISION AND READING
80% of children with a reading disability struggle with one or more basic visual skills.
UNDIAGNOSED VISION PROBLEMS
1 in 4 children has an undiagnosed vision problem, which can interfere with learning and lead to academic/behavioral problems.
COLLABORATION
We work with primary care optometrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, teachers, and physicians to address concerns related to your visual system. We specialize in functional vision and work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals to complement their specialty service.
OUR PROCESS
What to Expect
The first step is the assessment of eye teaming, eye tracking, eye focusing and visual processing. Patients will be seen for a comprehensive examination by one of our developmental optometrists. This initial exam is necessary for the doctor to gather information regarding the patient’s concerns and assess particular visual skills. General coordination may be assessed as well at this first visit. Patients don’t necessarily need to be anticipating the need for vision therapy or vision rehabilitation, sometimes an assessment alone is helpful to understand visual strengths and weaknesses. Several treatment options will be discussed during this evaluation.
Evaluation
60 minutes
Office-based Vision Therapy Treatment
60 minutes
Vision therapy is a treatment program consisting of specialized activities used to strengthen the connection between the brain and our visual system. Treatment at our office is carried out by our specially trained developmental optometrists. At this time, we do not have vision therapists, the patients work directly with the doctors. Therapy sessions are typically scheduled for 60 minutes once a week and consist of a variety of activities individually programmed to meet each patient’s goals and needs. The length of treatment can vary depending upon the patient’s diagnosis. Additionally, we supplement our office-based treatment with home activities for our patients to work on between visits to achieve the best possible outcomes. The overall goal of vision therapy is to improve an individual’s efficiency and control of their visual system for greater success in everyday activities.
Completion
30 minutes
Once clinical goals and patient goals have been met, vision therapy treatment is then concluded. The goal is for visual skills to be at a level of automaticity in which they will remain throughout life without further intervention.
Progress Evaluation
30 minutes
Progress evaluations for established patients. Progress evaluations are recommended for current patients and are completed during vision therapy treatment to monitor progression as well as 3-4 months post-vision therapy treatment to ensure the stability of the outcomes achieved.
Offered
OTHER SERVICES
Kindergarten Exam
30 minutes
Students going into kindergarten and the 6th grade are required by Illinois law to complete a vision evaluation. Our office provides the evaluation and the required form. This evaluation is important because it can better determine if the student is visually ready to be an efficient learner.
Sports Vision Evaluation & Treatment
30 minutes
Assessments and treatment to enhance sport-specific visual skills. Sports vision evaluation and training focuses on improving the visual abilities of an athlete that are necessary to excel in their sport. Vision training activities are done on a sport specific basis with a custom tailored program for each sport and athlete.
LATEST BLOG POSTS
