Learning Related Vision Problems

Is a hidden vision problem getting in the way
of your child’s learning?

Good vision skills are a prerequisite for doing well in school because it’s how we largely gather information. In fact, 80% of classroom learning is visual. So, what if an undetected vision problem is interfering with your child’s learning potential?

Studies show approximately 25 % of classroom children are affected by a functional vision disorder. That number increases to 60% in the special education classroom or in juvenile detention. Unfortunately, eye charts and school screenings do not test for learning related vision problems. And often times a child with these kinds of vision problems is mislabeled with a learning disability, ADD or dyslexia.

Vision Is More Than 20/20

Most parents are told their child has “perfect vision” if they can see 20/20. But 20/20 only measures eyesight - how well your child sees at a distance—not how well their entire vision system works.
Children use their vision all day long for reading, writing, focusing, tracking, and processing information. There are other visual skills that affect the ability to “see”. If any of these vision skills are underdeveloped or not functioning well, it can seriously interfere with learning—even if eyesight seems fine.

Key Visual Skills Needed for Learning

• Eye Teaming – Are both eyes working together comfortably and accurately?

• Focusing – Can your child keep print clear and shift focus easily from near to far?

• Tracking – Can their eyes follow a line of print or jump from word to word accurately?

• Visual Perception – Can they interpret and remember what they see?

• Central-Peripheral Integration – Can they select where they place their visual attention and simultaneously monitor the periphery, or do they tunnel their vision and only take in small bits of information?

Deficits in these visual skills can lead to fatigue, avoidance of reading, poor attention, reversals, headaches, frequent mistakes in schoolwork and homework battles.

How We Evaluate Vision

Dr. Les offers a comprehensive two-part evaluation examining skills that are not typically checked at a vision screening with the pediatrician or a regular eye exam:

Part 1: Functional Vision Exam – 1 hour

Includes testing of learning related vision skills in addition to routine exam:

• Eye teaming, focusing, and tracking

• Central-peripheral visual integration

• Visual acuity (eyesight) and Refraction (prescription)

• Eye Health

Part 2: Visual Information Processing (VIP) Testing - up to 2 hours

• Visual memory, discrimination, figure-ground,
• Visual-spatial awareness, directionality, and reversals
• Bilateral coordination and eye-hand control

Dr. Les then writes a detailed report and schedules a consultation with parents to go over the findings and discuss recommendations.

What We Do…Treatment Options:

If a vision problem is identified, treatment may include:

• Lenses – Therapeutic lenses are powerful tools for stress-relieving to support near work.

• Optometric Vision Therapy…Training the Brain to See – Weekly one-on-one sessions with Dr. Les develop and strengthen visual motor and visual processing skills with activities given to do at home.

• Syntonics (Light Therapy) – helps to expand narrowed visual fields and improve balance between central and peripheral vision.

• Reflex Integration – Activities are given for retained primitive reflexes; referrals to occupational therapy when needed.

With weekly vision therapy sessions, Dr. Les enjoys getting to know his patients well (and often their families too). His approach is patient, individualized, and grounded in helping children overcome visual barriers to learning. He focuses on making therapy engaging and appropriately challenging, adjusting activities to each child’s developmental level. Dr. Les coaches his patients, coming alongside, to help them do the hard work. He gives gentle encouragement when the going gets tough. And just for fun, he has been known to play an energetic game of noodle ball!

Do you have concerns about your child’s reading abilities? Do they skip or reread lines and words? Does reading and homework frequently cause headaches, eye strain or blur? Is homework a regular battle? No child likes to struggle in school. Find the cause of the struggle and it can be life changing, setting your child up for a more successful future.

Take The Test