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What is Vision Therapy?


The American Optometric Association (AOA-- www.aoa.org) describes Vision Therapy as the following:

Vision therapy is a sequence of activities individually prescribed and monitored by the doctor to develop efficient visual skills and processing. It is prescribed after a comprehensive eye examination has been performed and has indicated that vision therapy is an appropriate treatment option. The vision therapy program is based on the results of standardized tests, the needs of the patient, and the patient's signs and symptoms. The use of lenses, prisms, filters, occluders, specialized instruments, and computer programs is an integral part of vision therapy.

Vision therapy is administered in the office under the guidance of the doctor. It requires a number of office visits and depending on the severity of the diagnosed conditions, the length of the program typically ranges from several weeks to several months. Activities paralleling in-office techniques are typically taught to the patient to be practiced at home to reinforce the developing visual skills.

The human visual system is complex. The problems that can develop in our visual system require a variety of treatment options. Many visual conditions can be treated effectively with spectacles or contact lenses alone; however, some are most effectively treated with vision therapy.

Research has demonstrated vision therapy can be an effective treatment option for:

  • Ocular motility dysfunctions (eye movement disorders)
  • Non-strabismic binocular disorders (inefficient eye teaming)
  • Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes)
  • Amblyopia (poorly developed vision)
  • Accommodative disorders (focusing problems)
  • Visual information processing disorders, including visual-motor integration and integration with other sensory modalities

College of Optometrists in Vision Development (OVDRA -- www.covd.org)

An important group in the field of Vision Therapy is the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (OVDRA-- www.covd.org) which is a non-profit, international membership association of eye care professionals including optometrists, optometry students, and vision therapists. Established in 1971, COVD provides board certification for eye doctors and vision therapists who are prepared to offer state-of-the-art services in:

  • Behavioral and developmental vision care
  • Vision therapy
  • Visual rehabilitation

These specialized vision care services develop and enhance visual abilities and correct many vision problems in infants, children, and adults. Vision care provided by all OVDRA members is based on the principle that vision can be developed and changed. Infants are not born with fully developed visual abilities and that good vision is developed through a learned process.

The OVDRA International Examination and Certification Board process includes a rigorous evaluation of the eye care professional's knowledge and abilities in providing developmental and behavioral vision care for patients. Optometrists who successfully complete their certification process are Board Certified in Vision Development and Vision Therapy and are designated Fellows of OVDRA (FOVDR). Vision therapists are certified to work with OVDRA Fellows as Certified Optometric Vision Therapists (COVT).

Associate members of OVDRA are practicing optometrists who have not yet completed the Fellowship process. OVDRA associates are required to participate in professional continuing education to enhance their knowledge and skills in behavioral vision care.

COVD describes Optometric Vision Therapy as Not Just Eye Exercises

Unlike self-directed programs of "eye exercises" marketed to the public, in-office optometric vision therapy is conducted under the supervision of an optometrist and supported by ongoing, evidence-based scientific research.

The goal of optometric vision therapy ("VT") is not to strengthen eye muscles. Your eye muscles are already incredibly strong, and the vision problems VT aims to treat are rarely caused by muscle weakness. Instead, vision therapy aims to retrain the learned aspects of vision through the recently understood concept of neuroplasticity.

The video below comes from COVD's website and click below to watch the video on successful vision therapy treatment

Optometric Vision Therapy is supervised by vision care professionals and many types of specialized and/or medical equipment can be used in Optometric Vision Therapy programs, such as:

  • Therapeutic lenses
  • Prisms
  • Filters
  • Occluders or patches
  • Electronic targets with timing mechanisms
  • Balance boards

The first step in any Optometric Vision Therapy program is a comprehensive vision exam. Following a thorough evaluation, a qualified vision care professional can advise you as to whether you are a good candidate for Optometric Vision Therapy and/or whether Optometric Vision Therapy is an appropriate treatment for you.

For help in locating a VT Doctor near you for a comprehensive exam, click here for our list of VT Doctors in your area or visit OVDRA's website to use the doctor locator tool.

*A special thanks to the AOA and OVDRA for their permission to use the above information.

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