Vision Therapy CanadaWhat is Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy is a doctor supervised program designed to improve the function of the visual system. Vision Therapy allows patients the opportunity for new visual experiences through the use of lenses, prisms, filters, and 3-D activities, among other things. Vision Therapy is individualized to the unique needs of the patient.
Most Vision Therapy is conducted in-office, in once or twice weekly sessions lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour. There are often homework items to supplement in-office work. A therapy program can last from15 weeks to a year or more depending on the individual’s diagnosis, their age and their commitment and participation level in the program.
Vision Therapy works to allow better visual comfort, visual efficiency and grace of movement. It can alter the way a person interprets what they see including improving depth perception. It can help the struggling reader, the athlete, or someone who has suffered a brain injury. Those with Dyslexia or Attention Deficit Disorder are often found to have significant visual problems affecting their learning. If so, vision therapy can help these individuals improve their reading and overall classroom performance.
Vision therapy is not simply eye exercises. It is a scientifically-based program which, when combined with careful history, visual examination and dedicated participation, can have dramatic results.
VTC Research Award Application
Research and research-based clinical evidence is a vital and key element for our profession’s growth development, and identity. This is especially true and essential for the Vision Therapy area.
Become a Member
Membership in Vision Therapy Canada has many advantages, the most important being your connection to Canadian optometrists practicing Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation.
Full Membership
($200, multiple offices $275)
For Optometrists who are offering in-office vision therapy. You must ask a current VTC full member to vouch for you. Enjoy the benefits of having:
- Your office listing on our “Find A Doctor” search, where patients can access
- Ability to register for the PVTAP program
- Bulk purchase discounts with key vendors/suppliers
- Local Study Groups
- Free webinars
- Discounts on course offerings by VTC and other VT organizations
- Access to study articles.
Partial Membership
($150)
For Optometrists that are interested in learning more about vision therapy, just getting into vision therapy but not yet offering in-office vision therapy. Enjoy access to:
- Information, articles and other resources concerning Vision Therapy
- A list of Continuing Education courses including Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEP), College of Vision Development (COVD) and other allied professionals
- Local Study Groups
- enrollment in the Practical Vision Therapy Accreditation Program -PVTAP
Therapist Membership
($100)
For vision therapists. In order to have a membership, your Optometrist must have a membership with VTC (either partial or full). Enjoy access to:
- Vision therapist community such as the Facebook VTC therapist forum, invites to Therapist Socials/Networking Events
- Therapist mentorship program
- Enrollment in the Practical Vision Therapy Accreditation Program (PVTAP)
- free webinars
- membership discounts on course offerings by VTC and other VT organizations including the ICBO alliance groups
Student Membership
(Free)
For Optometry students currently enrolled in their Optometry degree. Enjoy access to:
- Information, articles and other resources concerning Vision Therapy
- A list of Continuing Education courses including Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEP), College of Vision Development (COVD) and other allied professionals
- Local Study Groups
Is a Vision Therapy eye examination different from a standard examination?
The importance of careful observation and history cannot be underestimated. The impact of a poorly functioning visual system on the classroom is obvious. The loss of a functioning, family member to brain injury is similarly evident. A study done by the National Institute of Health in 2008 clearly showed that in the case of Convergence Insufficiency, in-office vision therapy was more successful than home based programs involving pencil push-ups and computers. There is no doubt among VTC members that the best way to care for the patient in need of VT, is to have a doctor supervised program and regular weekly or biweekly visits with a qualified vision therapist.