Vision therapy -- a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain -- is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for many common visual problems such as Traumatic Brain Injury, Acquired Brain Injury, lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency and some reading and learning disabilities. Many patients who have been told, "it's too late," or "you'll have to learn to live with it" have benefited from vision therapy.
In the case of learning disabilities, vision therapy is specifically directed toward resolving visual problems which interfere with reading, learning and educational instruction. According to Title 24 of the Delaware Professions Regulations Code and Chapter 24, the definition of the practice of Optometry includes providing vision, developmental, and perceptual therapy, and shall include the utilization of any method or means which the optometrist is educationally qualified to provide as established by the Delaware State Board of Examiners in Optometry.
What is involved in a Vision Therapy program?
Vision therapy is --
- a progressive program of vision "exercises" or procedures;
- performed under doctor supervision;
- individualized to fit the visual needs of each patient;
- generally conducted in-office, in once or twice weekly sessions of 30 minutes to one hour;
- sometimes supplemented with procedures done at home between office visits ("homework");
- (depending on the case) prescribed to --
- help patients develop or improve fundamental visual skills and abilities;
- improve visual comfort, ease, and efficiency;
- change how a patient processes or interprets visual information.
The first step in any Vision Therapy program is a comprehensive vision examination. Following a thorough evaluation, a qualified vision care professional can advise the candidate as to whether Vision Therapy would be appropriate treatment. After that, a Binocular Work-Up is performed to check and establish the level of deficiencies so that a comprehensive treatment program can be established.
Vision Therapy Is Not Just Eye Exercise
Vision Therapy is not to be confused with any self-directed self-help program of eye exercises which is or has been marketed to the public. Vision Therapy is supervised by optometric vision care professionals and many types of specialized and/or medical devices are used in Vision Therapy programs, such as
- prescription lenses (regulated medical devices);
- therapeutic lenses (regulated medical devices);
- prisms (regulated medical devices);
- optical filters;
- eye patches or occluders
- electronic targets with timing mechanisms;
- computer software;
- vestibular (balance) equipment
- visual-motor-sensory integration training devices
Please take a moment to watch some of our Video Testimonials from our Vision Therapy program. If you are interested in learning more about if you or a loved one is a candidate for Vision Therapy. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 302-283 1988 or via email atbonnie@visionplusofde.com so that we can schedule a complimentary consultative appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon. A friendly and attentive staff awaits your call.