The Optometrist is uniquely positioned to learn a great deal about a functioning visual system. Incorporating Vision Therapy into a general practice is entirely possible. The cost is relatively low, the reward is significant and a peer Vision Therapy Canada (VTC) network is ready and willing to help.
Vision Therapy
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 from 15 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.
JOIN VISION THERAPY CANADA TODAY
Membership in Vision Therapy Canada has many advantages, the most important being your connection to Canadian optometrists practicing Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation.
Your membership helps support Vision Therapy in Canada.
Why Should I Offer Vision Therapy in My Office?
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 Technology 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. Incorporating Vision Therapy into a general practice is entirely possible. The cost is relatively low, the reward is significant and a peer VTC network is ready and willing to help.
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.
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Research
Vision therapy is international; check out our colleagues from around the world:
- ACBO http://www.acbo.org.au/
- BABO http://www.babo.co.uk/
- BOAF http://www.boaf-eu.org
- COVD http://www.covd.org/
- NORA https://nora.cc
- OEP http://www.oepf.org/
A collection of articles and research showing the effectiveness of Vision Therapy: