WHAT IS A BEHAVIORAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL OPTOMETRIST? A behavioral or developmental optometrist is concerned with prevention, remediation and enhancement of the visual system to achieve optimal function. In other words, the visual evaluation goes far beyond health checks and glasses. How comfortably and efficiently you use your visual system for the type of work, education, or sports activities you are involved in is of the utmost importance. Recommendations for special types of glasses (ex: for computer or sports) and/or vision therapy may be given.
I JUST HAD MY EYES CHECKED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. Routine vision exams frequently do not include tests for many of the difficulties that can cause or complicate learning, such as tracking (following a moving object), focus flexibility, eye teaming, eye-hand coordination, visual perception, etc. The routine vision exam may be very thorough in checking eye health and near or farsightedness. 20/20 visual acuity may be found, however, this may give a false sense of security that "visual processing" is adequate.
WHAT DO YOU DO DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DOCTORS? The first examination thoroughly investigates eye health and any need for glasses. Then, a second appointment is recommended to perform an in-depth evaluation of the patient's ability to track and move their eyes accurately and efficiently. In addition focusing skills, eye teaming, and depth perception are evaluated. Depending on age and reading ability of the patient, testing on the Visagraph II Computerized Eye Movement Recording may be given. This instrument uses goggles with infrared optics to test reading efficiency (number of fixations, regressions and other characteristics of eye movement during reading). Frequently these two evaluations are scheduled in one visit (called a Vision Therapy Evaluation or VTE.)
WHAT IS A PERCEPTUAL EVALUATION? The Perceptual Evaluation is comprised of a series of tests that are designed to identify strengths or weaknesses in the areas of visual motor integration, visual perception (including visual memory, form perception, visual discrimination, directionality/laterality, auditory/visual integration), perceptual motor abilities, auditory analysis screening as well as gross motor screening. This testing in completed over the first few vision therapy sessions. Occasionally, the Doctor requires this testing be completed before a recommendation for vision therapy can be made. This is frequently the case with younger children (aged 4 to 6). At the completion of all testing, a written summary report will be provided that is useful for parents, educators, doctors, and others others working with the patient.
DO YOU TREAT OR DIAGNOSE LEARNING PROBLEMS, DISABILITIES, DYSLEXIA? The first step is to determine if vision difficulties are interfering with the ability to learn. For example, these types of problems could cause symptoms during reading (losing place, skipping words, blurriness, headaches, fatigue, tired eyes, etc.), or writing (poor penmanship, difficulty with coloring, staying on the line), with driving, or in sports. Even if the patient can see clearly, there may still be other significant visual problems hindering one's ability to learn. Vision therapy addresses the deficient visual, visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills. This gives the patient the visual ability to attain realistic levels of academic achievement. Vision therapy cannot address specific academic gaps that may be present. Once visual deficiencies have been remediated, a full psycho-educational battery of testing and consultation might be needed to thoroughly diagnose specific learning disabilities or dyslexia. If needed our doctors can provide you with a referral to their network of other professionals, schools, hospitals and/or treatment centers.
IS VISION THERAPY A NEW TREATMENT? Vision therapy has been in existence for over fifty years. Our doctors will be happy to supply you with information, efficacy studies, references, etc. on this therapy. We are often requested to educate or discuss the therapy with other medical care providers or educators. In addition, we have a list of patients and other professionals who have been through our program and would be happy to discuss any of your questions.
DO YOU WORK WITH TINTED LENSES? Our experience has been (and research now shows) that the tinted overlays or lenses have been an excellent screening device for visual problems that we routinely treat. Too often these patients are inaccurately diagnosed as having some type of a syndrome. Often the patient can see adequately but has difficulties with: focusing for long periods of time, blurred print, movement of print, eye discomfort, headaches, etc. These patients need a thorough functional vision evaluation, which is provided at this office, before tints are evaluated. Glasses and/or vision therapy can often eliminate these symptoms. After vision treatment, the patient often no longer responds to the tint, as his/her own visual system has learned to function more efficiently and comfortably. Occasionally, a special tint is still necessary.
WILL INSURANCE COVER THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT? Visual perceptual therapy for learning disabilities or educational problems are not covered under health plans. Some health plans may cover a portion of the evaluation and/or treatment if there is a specific eye muscle problem. We do not routinely bill insurance, but will assist you in the process.
WHAT QUESTIONS COULD I ASK MY REGULAR EYE DOCTOR TO SEE IF HE/SHE DOES THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT? Do perform academically related visual tests? Do you prescribe or refer for vision therapy?
