{"id":9566,"date":"2021-01-20T20:23:24","date_gmt":"2021-01-20T20:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=9566"},"modified":"2021-09-12T18:10:05","modified_gmt":"2021-09-12T18:10:05","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-vision-therapy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/vision-therapy\/guide-to-vision-therapy\/vision-therapy-faqs\/the-dos-and-donts-of-vision-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Do\u2019s and Don’ts of Vision Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Has your optometrist recommended a program of vision therapy?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Vision therapy<\/a> is an effective program designed to treat a variety of vision conditions that cannot be treated with corrective eyewear alone.<\/p>\n

The information on this page will help you to understand how vision therapy works, and what you can gain from this specialized treatment program\u2014 if you follow the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts listed below.<\/i><\/p>\n

DO<\/b><\/h2>\n

1. DO your research<\/b><\/h3>\n

Although eye doctors have been providing vision therapy for over 100 years, many people are still unaware of its efficacy and all of the benefits this treatment program can offer.<\/p>\n

In recent years, numerous research studies<\/a> have been funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) to prove the efficacy of vision therapy.<\/b><\/p>\n

According to these studies, office-based vision therapy with home-based reinforcement is the most effective treatment for lazy eye<\/a>, strabismus<\/a> (eye turns) and convergence insufficiency<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Additionally, studies have shown that vision therapy is equally effective in improving attention and concentration<\/a>, helping children with reading and learning difficulties<\/a>, enhancing athletic performance, and even boosting self esteem.<\/a><\/p>\n

Understanding the true facts about vision therapy by reading the research on its efficacy, is the first step to getting the help you need and deserve.<\/p>\n

2. DO find an experienced eye doctor<\/b><\/h3>\n

It is important to find an eye doctor that has training and experience in vision therapy.<\/b><\/p>\n

Eye doctors are trained and board certified to offer competent advice on eye care, but not all eye doctors undergo extensive training in vision therapy.<\/p>\n

Developmental optometrists<\/a> are a subset of optometrists that have undertaken extensive post-graduate training in the field of vision therapy.<\/p>\n

Developmental optometrists are trained in evaluating children with learning difficulties, attention issues and poor hand-eye coordination\u2014 and can provide vision therapy to improve these conditions.<\/p>\n

If you or your child is suffering from a vision condition that can be treated with vision therapy, such as lazy eye, convergence insufficiency, strabismus, or difficulties with eye tracking or visual processing, schedule a functional vision evaluation with a developmental optometrist.<\/p>\n

3. DO have a comprehensive functional vision evaluation<\/b><\/h3>\n

If your child is struggling with their academic performance, or you find it challenging to keep up with the demands of your job, a vision problem may be the underlying cause.<\/b><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, most eye exams and vision screenings<\/a> do not assess functional vision, which includes the visual skills<\/a> necessary for most of the tasks you perform on a daily basis, such as reading, writing, concentrating, and more.<\/p>\n

Any type of functional vision problem, such as lazy eye, strabismus, convergence insufficiency, or even visual disturbances that develop following a head injury, can lead to learning difficulties at school or challenges at work.<\/p>\n

4. DO think about the benefits of vision therapy<\/b><\/h3>\n

The benefits of vision therapy can be life-changing.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Although the cost of vision therapy may be something to consider if you are on a tight budget, it is important to keep in mind that the benefits of vision therapy will last a lifetime\u2014 and may even eliminate additional expenses incurred from tutors or other special programs you may believe will help your child to improve their skills.<\/p>\n

It is also important to be aware that some health insurance plans include partial coverage for vision therapy. If your health insurance does not cover vision therapy, you may be able to work out a payment plan with your eye doctor to make the program more affordable.<\/p>\n

5. DO consider vision therapy, even if you already have eyeglasses<\/b><\/h3>\n

Eyeglasses cannot correct all vision problems.<\/b><\/p>\n

While eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct blurry vision, they cannot treat vision problems related to reduced visual skills, such as eye tracking, eye teaming and visual perceptual problems.<\/p>\n

Vision therapy treats the underlying problem by strengthening the visual system and improving the visual skills needed for clear and comfortable vision.<\/p>\n

To find out more about vision therapy, contact an eye doctor near you<\/a>.<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

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

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