Our ability to use our entire visual system efficiently is as important as the clarity of our vision. When visual skills are underdeveloped, damaged or imbalanced, a customized program of vision therapy works to improve these abilities and improve performance in school and at work.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a carefully programmed series of visual exercises which are designed to enhance and develop visual skills. A patient works with a vision therapist in 45-minute weekly sessions, learns and practices the appropriate exercises for his or her specific case, and does about 20 minutes of daily “homework” exercises designed to assist in the development of the visual system and to reinforce the newly acquired skills. The process typically extends over a period of months, depending on the specifics of the individual case.
What are the benefits of vision therapy?
When visual skills are underdeveloped, damaged, or imbalanced, a program of vision therapy works to improve these abilities. When a person has difficulty with activities such as driving, reading, or catching a ball, there may be an underlying visual system disorder which can be addressed with vision therapy.
Humans are born with eyesight, and that is what is measured by an eye chart test. As we grow and mature, however, we must develop the skills to use our entire visual system – the complex array of skills we use to transmit information from the eyes to the brain.
Experts have noted an increase in visual system deficiencies in the last thirty years, as games such as hopscotch, baseball, and jacks have been replaced by more passive visual activities like television and computer games. Such activity provides less opportunity to practice visual skills, and the result is an inefficient visual system.
Eye Priority Vision Therapy Services
Sensorimotor Exam
Detailed visual motor exam performed by doctor, tests for ocular deviation and visual function disorders such as amblyopia, “lazy eye,” strabismus and convergence insufficiency. Includes reports and consultation
Acquired Brain Injury Sensorimotor Exam
Extensive visual motor exam performed by doctor with emphasis on the effects from the brain injury. Includes extensive history, diagnostics, visual performance testing if needed, reports & Consultation.
Visual Performance Testing
Standardized test battery performed by vision therapist, pinpoints visual or perceptual dysfunction.
Vision Therapy
Customized program prescribed for correction of visual system disorders.
More than 20/20
Many of our work- and school-related tasks - reading, writing, computer use – are done at close range, not at the twenty-foot distance used for standard eye chart testing. At such close distances, visual performance – how well our eyes work together to pass information to the brain for processing – is key to effective learning and achievement.
As we demand more of our visual systems with early schooling, long work hours and intensive computer use, some adults and children find that clear eyesight is not enough. Even an eye-chart test result of “20/20” does not ensure that visual skills will be sufficient for efficient and comfortable vision at close range.
Not sure about your vision? A comprehensive eye exam with a developmental (behavioral) optometrist is an important first step!
Our Vision Therapy Programs
Comprehensive Initial Evaluation
Customized Treatment Plan
24 to 40 week Program
Weekly Individual Therapy Sessions
Flexible Treatment Programs
Individualized Home Practice Assignments
Periodic Progress Assessments
Patient Completion Celebration
When visual skills are underdeveloped, imbalance or damaged, a structured and customized program of vision therapy works to improve these abilities.
After a thorough evaluation and performance testing, a customized therapy program is created specifically to address the needs of each individual.
Patients work weekly with a vision therapist, performing guided activities and learning an evolving series of exercises that work to strengthen and develop the visual system and improve skills. Periodic progress checks ensure that the process remains on track.
Each patient receives weekly assignments of home activities – exercises to practice for about fifteen minutes daily. These exercises enable the visual system to efficiently master the new skills.
Vision therapy programs vary in length, but generally last from 24 to 40 weeks. Patients often notice improvements in their work and school performance after a few weeks.
Email or call us for more information about our vision therapy services, (480) 893-2300.
HERE IS WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY ABOUT VISION THERAPY
“We saw such tremendously quick and positive results.”
Sally T., Ahwatukee
“It was the best thing that happened to my child.”
Koni Y., Phoenix
“I would definitely recommend vision therapy.”
Emily B., Ahwatukee
“Vision therapy changed our lives!”
Becki B., Prescott