{"id":8625,"date":"2020-10-14T20:05:47","date_gmt":"2020-10-14T20:05:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=8625"},"modified":"2021-07-20T04:30:42","modified_gmt":"2021-07-20T04:30:42","slug":"how-can-a-developmental-optometrist-help","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/vision-therapy\/guide-to-vision-therapy\/what-are-the-benefits-of-vision-therapy\/how-can-a-developmental-optometrist-help\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can a Developmental Optometrist Help?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Developmental optometrists believe that vision can be developed and improved through a learned process.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

A developmental optometrist, also called a behavioral optometrist, focuses on the entire visual function\u2014 not just visual acuity, but also the integrity of the visual skills.<\/p>\n

There are 17 different visual skill<\/a>s necessary for reading, writing, learning, playing sports\u2014 and virtually all other visual tasks. These visual skills enable you to see clearly and comfortably.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The way you see does not only depend on your visual acuity, or clarity of vision, but also on how well your eyes work together and communicate with your brain to accurately process visual information.<\/p>\n

When to see a developmental optometrist<\/b><\/h2>\n

It is strongly recommended to schedule an appointment with a developmental optometrist to rule out any vision problems that might be affecting your child\u2019s ability to learn.<\/p>\n

Many times, children are mislabeled as \u2018lazy\u2019 or \u2018learning disabled\u2019 as a result of poor academic success, when really they may be suffering from a vision problem that is affecting their ability to read, write, and learn.<\/p>\n

Moreover, it is not uncommon for a child to be misdiagnosed with ADHD <\/a>or dyslexia<\/a>, when a vision condition is at the root of their struggles.<\/b><\/p>\n

Many children also struggle on the playground or the sports field as a result of a vision problem\u2014 these children are generally mislabeled as clumsy, accident prone, or simply \u201cbad in sports\u201d.<\/p>\n

If your child is struggling in school or on the sports field, a comprehensive evaluation by a developmental optometrist is highly recommended.<\/p>\n

Do developmental optometrists only see children?<\/b><\/h3>\n

No, adults can benefit from a comprehensive vision evaluation as well.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Many adults suffer from digital eye strain<\/a>, convergence insufficiency<\/a>, eye turns<\/a>, lazy eye<\/a>, or even dizziness and imbalance<\/a>. All of these vision conditions, and more, can be treated by a developmental optometrist.<\/p>\n

A developmental optometrist will perform a comprehensive vision evaluation and provide an appropriate treatment plan\u2014 usually involving a program of vision therapy<\/a> and\/or therapeutic lenses.<\/p>\n

If you feel you or your child could benefit from Vision Therapy, schedule an appointment with a vision therapy eye docto<\/a>r and they will answer all your questions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: Guide to Vision Therapy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t

\n\t\t

Find a Vision Therapy Eye Doctor Near You<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t
\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t