If you’re watching the end of the year approach and still have money left in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA), don’t panic. There are plenty of smart and sometimes surprising ways to spend it on your eye health. While many people know they can use FSA dollars for vision exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses, fewer people realize that there are many lesser-known options that can help improve eye comfort, performance and long-term visual wellness.
Unique FSA Options
If you’re looking for something beyond the basics, here are some innovative, beneficial and often overlooked ways to put your remaining flex dollars to work.
- Specialized Computer Glasses – If you spend hours in front of screens, you may benefit from task-specific computer lenses designed to reduce eye strain and improve focus. These are different from typical blue-light lenses, as the prescription lenses are customized for your exact working distance. Many people who use them notice reduced headaches, neck strain, and dry eye, making them an excellent choice for FSA dollars.
- Sport-Specific Prescription Eyewear – Performance eyewear is not just for professional athletes. FSA funds can often be used for prescription swimming goggles, ski or snow goggles, eyewear for tennis or cycling, or impact-resistant sport goggles for kids. This is a great option for active or athletic families, especially with sports that pick up in spring.
- Dry Eye Treatment Options – Dry eye is a very common vision complaint, especially in the winter months. FSA funds can cover some effective options to help with this issue, such as over-the-counter eye drops, prescription dry eye medications, moist heat therapy eye masks, omega-3 supplements for eye health, or punctal plugs when prescribed as a necessity.
- Low Vision Aids – People with reduced vision from conditions like macular degeneration or cataracts can find great benefit from specialized low-vision tools that make everyday life easier. In many cases, products like magnifiers, contrast-enhancing lenses or assistive reading devices can be eligible for FSA reimbursement.
- Vision Therapy Programs – These individualized treatment programs are effective at treating a wide range of visual conditions, and are specifically tailored to each patient according to their needs. Vision therapy can help correct binocular vision issues, eye teaming difficulty, visual tracking challenges or developmental vision conditions, and can even improve athletic ability. FSA benefits can often be used to cover evaluations and testing, treatment sessions and at-home therapy support materials.
Discuss FSA Options with Family Vision Development Center Now
The end of the year sneaks up quickly, and every year people inevitably let their FSA funds expire because they simply forget to schedule appointments or make purchases. If you’re unsure how much remains in your FSA, now is the perfect time to log in and check your balance. And of course, we are here to help in any way we can! Whether you need an exam, glasses, or advice on eligible products, our team is happy to assist you in making the most of your benefits before they expire. Contact our office today at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
Many people equate “good vision” with the ability to obtain a 20/20 reading on an eye chart. But effective vision is so much more than just clarity. There are actually 17 distinct visual skills that all work together to allow us to learn, work, play, and easily navigate the world around us.
Essential Visual Skills
When one or more of these crucial skills isn’t functioning properly, it can create significant challenges in daily life.
- Eye Movement Control – the ability to move your eyes together in order to focus on a person, picture, or object.
- Binocular Coordination – the ability of the two eyes to accurately work together, at the same time, as a team.
- Convergence – the eyes’ ability to work as a team, whether they are looking inward or focusing ahead.
- Saccades – quick, simultaneous movements of the two eyes between two or more focus points.
- Pursuits – the ability of the eyes to maintain a smooth transition between two different points.
- Accommodation Flexibility – the ability to continuously change focus between objects that are up close and in the distance.
- Spatial/Visual Learning – the ability to think about and evaluate what you have seen.
- Accommodation Endurance – the ability to maintain focus on up-close tasks for extended periods of time.
- Visual Memory – the ability to remember images and words we have seen in the past.
- Central Visual Acuity – the ability to see clearly and accurately. This skill is most commonly used to determine if your vision is 20/20 or a variation.
- Depth Perception – the ability to tell whether objects are closer or further away, in relation to one another.
- Peripheral Vision (side vision) – Being able to see what’s on either side of you while your eyes are pointed forward and without turning your head.
- Gross Visual-Motor – the ability to move through the environment by using visual cues that prevent us from bumping into things.
- Color Perception – being able to tell different colors apart.
- Fine Visual-Motor – the ability to focus on activities that require small movements and attention to detail.
- Visual Integration – the ability to bring together your vision and your other senses to accomplish complex tasks.
- Visual Perception – Being aware of your environment and what is going on around you in your visual field (the area you can see).
When One or More Visual Skills Need Attention
When visual skills are underdeveloped or inefficient, it results in a functional visual problem that can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Academic struggles – Difficulty reading, poor comprehension, slow reading speed, skipping words/lines, headaches during reading, avoiding homework.
- Physical symptoms – Eye strain, fatigue, headaches, double vision, light sensitivity, dizziness, motion sickness.
- Behavior problems – Short attention span during visual tasks, fidgeting, poor posture, easily frustrated, avoiding close work.
- Impacted motor skills – Clumsiness, poor balance, difficulty with sports, struggles with driving.
Vision Therapy at Family Vision Development Center
Vision therapy is a customized program of activities and exercises that are designed to retrain how the eyes and brain work together, which is essential for developing the above-mentioned visual skills. Dr. Martin and his team have extensive knowledge and experience creating personalized programs that:
- Improve eye teaming – Teaching both eyes to work together smoothly and efficiently.
- Enhance focusing – Strengthening the ability to focus and change focus with ease.
- Develop tracking – Improving the eyes’ ability to follow moving objects and guide reading.
- Boost visual processing – Training the brain to better interpret and understand visual information.
- Strengthen visual-motor integration – Improving coordination between what the eyes see and what the body does.
Our vision therapy programs can help develop or restore proper visual function, leading to improved classroom or job performance, reduced eye strain and headaches, better athletic performance, increased confidence, and better overall quality of life! Contact our office at 630-862-2020 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
Contact lenses are a popular and convenient option for millions of people, yet many myths still make patients hesitate to try them. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions about contact lenses and replace them with the real facts.
Myth #1: Contact Lenses Can Get Lost Behind Your Eye
Fact – This is one of the most persistent and frightening myths, but thankfully, it’s completely untrue!
Your eye is covered by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva. This membrane lines the inside of your eyelid and folds back to cover the white part of your eye, acting as a natural barrier. Because of this anatomical structure, it is physically impossible for a contact lens to slip behind your eyeball. If a lens feels lost, it’s most likely tucked up underneath your upper eyelid, and a few blinks or some sterile solution will usually bring it out.
Myth #2: Contact Lenses are Too Difficult to Put In and Take Out
Fact – There can be a slight learning curve, as there is when trying anything new. But the process becomes second nature very quickly. We understand that touching your eye can feel strange at first. However, our team provides thorough training for every new contact lens wearer. We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, share tips for easy insertion and removal, and ensure you are confident before you leave our office. Just like learning to tie your shoes, it gets easier every time you do it!
Myth #3: Contacts are Uncomfortable
Fact – Current contact lenses are designed with advanced, breathable materials which make them extremely comfortable, often to the point where you forget you’re wearing them. If your lenses are causing consistent discomfort, scratchiness, or redness, it is not normal. This typically signals one of three issues:
- You have the wrong fit or prescription.
- You are wearing them longer than recommended.
- You have an underlying condition like dry eye or an allergy.
If you experience discomfort, remove your lenses and call us so we can determine the cause of the problem.
Myth #4: Contact Lenses are Only for Adults
Fact – Many teens and younger kids wear contacts and do great with them. In fact, contact lenses can work for almost any age. Children, teens, adults, and seniors can all be successful contact lens wearers with the right lens type and hygiene habits. As long as a person is responsible and can follow the recommended care instructions provided, they can be a good option.
At Family Vision Development Center, we have a dedicated team that wants to make sure our patients have all of the facts in order to make the best decisions about their eye health. Contact lenses are a safe and effective choice for vision correction for many people. We have a wide range of options to meet the individual needs of our patients and will work with you to make sure you are comfortable with your selection. Reach out to us at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment or ask for additional information.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading understanding and support for those living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. While ADHD is a well-recognized condition, what many people don’t realize is that certain vision problems can mimic ADHD symptoms, which can lead to confusion, misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Understanding the difference between vision issues and ADHD is essential when it comes to helping children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Vision Conditions that are Similar to ADHD Symptoms
There are several vision conditions that look surprisingly similar to typical symptoms of ADHD, which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
- Focusing issues (accommodative dysfunction) – people with this condition have trouble maintaining clear focus on near objects. This can lead to headaches, eye strain, and fatigue, making sustained attention on tasks (especially reading or writing) incredibly difficult. A child who constantly loses their place or re-reads lines might be seen as inattentive, when it is actually a focusing issue causing the problem.
- Eye teaming issues (convergence insufficiency) – this affects how your eyes work together, and makes it difficult to turn your eyes inward together to see things up close. It results in double vision and words looking blurred on a page. This can make it very difficult to read, often needing to use a finger to keep track, ultimately resulting in tired eyes and seeming lack of concentration.
- Eye tracking issues – smooth and accurate eye movements are essential for reading. If the eyes struggle to move from word to word efficiently, a common result is skipping lines or losing your place. This can be mistaken for carelessness or inattention, when it’s actually a problem with the mechanics of eye movement.
- Nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism (refractive errors) – these are more straightforward, but if they are not corrected properly it can cause eye discomfort, strain or fatigue that can make concentrating on visual tasks very difficult.
If a person is experiencing any of these vision conditions, they might exhibit symptoms that can be mistakenly diagnosed as ADHD, such as:
- Impulsiveness or short attention span
- Fidgeting or restlessness
- Avoiding close-up tasks like homework or classwork
- Poor academic performance
- Frequent frustration during tasks that require close-up work, like reading
Key Differences Between ADHD and Vision Problems
While the symptoms can overlap, there are certain differences and indicators that might suggest a vision problem rather than solely ADHD:
- Timing of symptoms – if symptoms primarily emerge during visual tasks like reading or computer work, but lessen during activities that don’t require much close-up vision, it could be a sign of a vision issue rather than ADHD
- Physical symptoms – Headaches, eye strain, rubbing eyes, blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, or tilting the head to see better are strong indicators of a vision issue.
- Type of task – The type of task that a person is having difficulty with can provide a clue to the underlying cause. For example, struggling with tasks that require reading, while doing well with hands-on activities or those that involve listening might indicate a visual problem.
Generally, a person with ADHD will typically struggle with focus across many settings, whether it’s at school, home, or recreational activities. Someone with a vision problem often struggles most during visually demanding tasks, such as reading, copying from the board, or doing homework or computer work.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis at Family Vision Development Center
Our team can play an essential role in discovering vision-related challenges that may be mistaken for ADHD. Our comprehensive vision exams test for issues like eye teaming and tracking, visual acuity at near and far distances, focusing ability and eye movement skills. If we diagnose a visual condition, we can opt for proper treatments, such as prescription lenses or vision therapy. Being able to identify visual issues early on can ensure that symptoms are corrected in the right way, even potentially sparing the unnecessary use of medications.
If you suspect ADHD or have received a diagnosis, it is important to explore every option to ensure that diagnosis is correct. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment for a vision exam.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
As the new school year begins, parents, teachers and medical providers should all work together to achieve the goal of helping students thrive. Indeed, many factors can play a role in a child’s success in the classroom, such as study habits, teaching quality, motivation and more. But visual health is an often-overlooked factor that can have a significant impact on classroom performance.
Good vision is more than just being able to see the chalkboard or read a textbook. Vision plays a critical role in how children learn, process information, and stay engaged in the classroom. In fact, research shows that up to 80% of classroom learning is visual, making healthy eyesight one of the most important building blocks for academic achievement.
Why Vision Matters in the Classroom
Imagine trying to read a textbook when the words are blurry, or copying notes from a whiteboard that appears hazy. For many children, this isn’t a hypothetical scenario. It’s what they experience on a daily basis. A child may be intelligent, motivated, and hardworking, yet struggle in school if they are experiencing undetected vision issues. Common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can make reading and focusing difficult. Other vision issues, such as trouble with eye tracking, eye teaming or visual processing, can lead to challenges in reading comprehension, handwriting or staying on task.
These struggles often go unnoticed because children may not realize their vision is abnormal, and they assume what they see is how everyone sees. Teachers and parents, meanwhile, may mistake vision-related learning problems for behavioral issues or lack of effort.
Warning Signs of Vision-Related Learning Problems
As students settle into the school year, parents and teachers should watch for these signs that a vision issue may be interfering with learning:
- Frequent headaches or eye strain after reading
- Complaints of blurred or double vision
- Difficulty staying focused on written work
- Avoidance of reading or homework
- Skipping lines or losing their place while reading
- Poor handwriting or letter reversals
- Short attention span during visual tasks
When these issues go unchecked, they can impact not only academic performance but also a child’s confidence and willingness to engage in school.
Parents and Teachers can Work Together to Encourage Classroom Success
When parents and teachers combine their efforts, it can go a long way in ensuring that students are getting the support they need. Here’s how they can work as a team:
- Schedule regular eye exams – Parents should make back-to-school eye exams part of their child’s routine. Comprehensive vision exams can detect vision issues that school screenings often miss.
- Communicate concerns – Teachers who notice issues with a child’s behavior, reading habits or attention should share their concerns right away with parents, as open communication can help to prevent potential problems.
- Accommodate students’ needs – If a student has a diagnosed vision problem, teachers can help by offering front-row seating, providing enlarged print, or allowing extra time on assignments.
- Encourage healthy habits – Both at home and in the classroom, encourage regular breaks from screens, good lighting for reading, and outdoor play to reduce eye strain and promote overall eye health.
Family Vision Development Center’s Role in Student Success
Prioritizing healthy vision at the start of the school year helps prepare students to be happy, confident and successful as the year progresses. A back-to-school vision exam can help us detect any visual concerns and provide any necessary treatment, to ensure they meet their academic goals. From vision correction through glasses or contacts, to more advanced vision therapy options that target issues like eye tracking, eye teaming, focus, hand-eye coordination and more, we are here to be your partner in your child’s success. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule a vision exam today.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
A brain injury can change your life in an instant, and the effects often linger in ways that are difficult to explain. If you’ve experienced a concussion, stroke, or other form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may be dealing with symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, light sensitivity or trouble concentrating. What many people don’t realize is that these symptoms are often tied to disruptions in the visual system – and that’s where neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation can help.
The Link Between a Brain Injury and Vision
Vision isn’t just about how clearly you can see. It’s about how your eyes and brain work together to interpret the world around you. In fact, more than 50% of the brain is involved in visual processing, which makes the visual system especially vulnerable following a brain injury.
Even a mild concussion can disrupt:
- Eye tracking (following a moving object)
- Eye teaming (how your eyes work together)
- Depth perception and spatial awareness
- Visual memory and processing speed
- The ability to shift focus between near and far objects
When these systems are out of sync, the results can be frustrating, and sometimes debilitating. You may feel dizzy in crowds, overwhelmed by motion, or unable to read or drive for long periods. These symptoms often go undiagnosed because they don’t show up on standard eye exams.
How Vision Rehabilitation Helps the Brain Heal
Neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation is a specialized therapy designed to retrain the visual system and restore its connection with the brain and body. Unlike glasses or contacts, which correct clarity, this type of vision therapy focuses on functional vision, which is how well your eyes and brain communicate and work together in daily life.
A personalized rehabilitation program following a brain injury may include:
- Eye movement and tracking exercises
- Activities to improve balance and coordination
- Tools like prism lenses or light therapy
- Exercises that help integrate vision with movement and cognition
Over time, these targeted therapies help reduce symptoms, restore visual function, and improve overall brain-body coordination.
Expected Improvements Following Vision Rehabilitation
Neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation helps individuals regain their independence and quality of life after a brain injury. With consistent treatment, patients often notice:
- Less dizziness and disorientation
- Improved reading and concentration
- Better coordination and balance
- Reduced light sensitivity and headaches
- Increased confidence in crowded or visually complex environments
Because each brain injury is unique, the treatment plan is customized based on a comprehensive neuro-optometric evaluation.
A brain injury can be overwhelming but recovery is definitely possible. Vision rehabilitation offers a powerful, non-invasive approach to healing that addresses the hidden visual problems that hold many people back. At Family Vision Development Center, we have extensive knowledge and training in this type of treatment and are able to help restore proper vision for patients of all ages, tailoring their plans to help them regain their quality of life as efficiently and quickly as possible.
If you have experienced any kind of brain injury, don’t let your vision go untreated. Contact our office at 630-862-2020 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and take the next step toward restoring clarity, balance, and control in your life.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
For those living with diabetes, it is important to understand that it can have a serious impact on your eye health and vision. In fact, diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults. Unfortunately, many of the eye-related complications can develop without any noticeable symptoms early on. That’s why regular eye exams with a vision care provider who understands diabetic eye care are critical to protecting your sight.
How Diabetes is Connected to Eye Health
Diabetes requires careful management of blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels remain elevated over time, they can damage the small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. This can lead to several serious conditions, including:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – This is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of the eye that senses light. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause symptoms. However, it can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) – DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy and occurs when fluid leaks into the macula, which is the small area in the center of the retina that is responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. This can cause swelling and blurred or distorted vision, and can result in permanent vision loss if not treated properly.
- Glaucoma – Diabetes can also increase the risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can result in irreversible vision loss if not caught early. Managing blood sugar levels and getting regular eye exams are essential for preventing the vision complications that are related to both diabetes and glaucoma.
- Cataracts – Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, causing blurry or distorted vision. People with diabetes often have a greater risk of developing cataracts, or may see them accelerate more quickly.
How Family Vision Development Center Can Help in Diabetic Vision Care
The care you will receive from our expert staff can play a vital role in effectively managing the vision challenges associated with diabetes.
- Comprehensive diabetic vision exams – These specialized exams go beyond a standard vision check. During your visit, we will closely examine the retina, macula, and optic nerve using dilation and digital retinal imaging.
- Early detection – Many diabetes-related eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular eye exams can help to detect early signs of damage before vision is affected, allowing for timely treatment and better outcomes.
- Monitoring of disease progression – If you have been diagnosed with a diabetic eye disease, we can track changes over time and coordinate care with your primary physician or endocrinologist.
- Tailored vision treatment plans – Diabetes can lead to continual changes in your vision and in your prescription. We can meet these changing vision correction needs and offer strategies to manage visual challenges at work, home, and other daily activities.
Don’t wait until you notice significant changes in your vision to get the care you need. Reach out to us at 630-862-2020 for proper diabetic vision care as early as possible to protect your vision now and into the future.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
The Family Vision Development Center is celebrating 15 great years in business and we have our amazing client base to thank for that. We appreciate that you have put your trust in us for so long and we are dedicated to providing the best, most expansive vision services long into the future.
Through the years, we have developed strong relationships with our patients, often treating multiple generations within families. We thought it would be fitting to let you get to know Dr. Dave Martin on a more personal level, so you can better appreciate his background and experience that led to his fulfilling career serving his community.
Education and Work Experience
Dr. Martin completed his undergraduate studies at Northern Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1992. He then pursued a career in Nuclear Medicine from Ferris State University. After quite some time in that profession, he decided to pursue optometry and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2005.
What led to his decision to change professional fields? According to Dr. Martin, “I had a completely different career before pursuing optometry school. While I enjoyed nuclear medicine, I did not see myself retiring from that profession. I wanted to do something more and help patients in a different capacity.
I worked in commercial optometry as well as a private optometry practice and noticed there were many patients that did not seem to be having visual success or relief of their visual symptoms that they wanted me to address during the exam. It was affecting their success in school and their careers. After pursuing additional post-doctorate education in developmental and functional vision, I found what I was looking for and it really spoke to me.”
Dr. Martin’s Deeply Personal Connection to Vision Therapy
Specializing in Vision Therapy services was an intentional path that Dr. Martin explored because of his own visual issues growing up. His story is intriguing and a prime example of how you can find success by building on your own life experiences:
“I started my path down the road of vision therapy because of my own personal struggles. When I was in school, I did not like to read at all, I would lose my place, skip words and lines, had horrible handwriting, I was always the last one done with my tests, I would fall asleep after five minutes of reading and would never remember what I read until I re-read it over and over. I couldn’t remember information from the printed word but was very good at retaining information that was presented orally so I could listen to the information. I started getting visual headaches in college when the workload became very heavy compared to high school.
I struggled with these challenges assuming I was not as intelligent as my fellow students, and it severely affected my self-esteem. I made many accommodations to my school habits to find ways to be able to handle the information I needed to be successful in my studies, one of which was to get up at 4 AM to study until my 8 AM exams. I had no idea it was because my vision system was exhausted later in the evening and that was why I couldn’t function. In the morning my eyes were rested, and I could handle the visual information I needed to, for a short time.
Once my convergence insufficiency was discovered, accidentally by the way during a school lab exercise, I went through a vision therapy program in my 30’s. It completely changed my life, and school and reading became a much simpler and more manageable task. It opened my eyes (no pun intended) to the endless possibilities that I normally would not have considered because of my perceived challenges. At this point I decided to dedicate my career to helping others like me become more successful in school, career, and life.”
This personal connection to Vision Therapy treatment is the reason for his passion and dedication to this service. It also greatly contributes to the overall success he has with his patients of all ages as he is completely committed to improving their quality of life in any way he can.
Forming the Family Vision Development Center to Make a Difference in Patients’ Lives
Dr. Martin saw that there was a lack of available care for many visual issues and knew there was a need for his services. As he describes, “I started the Family Vision Development Center in 2010 to begin to provide the missing pieces to those patients with functional and developmental visual deficits. I feel there are so many patients that are having ongoing functional visual challenges that are not being addressed or are being diagnosed with issues they may or may not have due to the tremendous overlap of visual symptoms that can masquerade as other conditions.
These issues can be a concern at any age. These types of functional vision issues can affect reading in school, comprehension, test taking skills, comfortable computer use, eye focusing, and eye fatigue. They can create headaches, double vision, balance and coordination issues, as well as many other issues. We also perform a lot of Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation to help patients with binocular vision issues from concussions, strokes, and other brain injuries. After experiencing the changes these patients were having and how it improved their lives in school, sports, careers, and their overall well-being, I knew this was my calling.”
Serving the Community and Beyond
According to Dr. Martin, “The best part of owning the Family Vision Development Center is being able to have the freedom to practice using all the knowledge I have learned over the years, from all the great education and mentors that have come before me.” Indeed, owning this practice is a joy for Dr. Martin and he recognizes what a privilege it is. He is able to work with fantastic colleagues, and he has an incredible staff that makes going to the office every day very enjoyable. And he finds working with all of his delightful patients to be extremely rewarding and satisfying.
Giving back to the community is important, and Dr. Martin contributes in many ways. For example, the Family Vision Development Center is involved with different organizations in the community, including various Occupational Therapy offices, and supports events that help these organizations expand the services they provide to their communities. Additionally, he provides educational opportunities to college students, both locally and online, about Developmental and Functional Optometry. To further support those in need, he has provided charitable support to Loaves and Fishes, local schools, and various veterans’ organizations.
Growing the Family Vision Development Center to Provide Expanded Care
Dr. Martin considers himself to be a family man and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, traveling, going on the occasional fishing trip, and of course, and supporting the Cubs. But he also has plans for his practice. As he shares, “My goal for the coming years is to continue to provide support to this underserved patient population, with these challenging visual issues, to help them grow and be successful. We also aim to expand our services and continue to grow the practice.”
We want you to be a part of our continued success! Contact our office to schedule your appointment for essential vision exams, effective vision therapy treatment, post-concussive injury treatment or to peruse our expansive line of designer frames. Reach out to the Family Vision Development Center team at 630-862-2020 now!
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
Summer break offers kids a well-deserved vacation from their typical school routines. Although this time is often filled with activities such as family trips, outdoor fun and time with friends, it’s also the perfect time to focus on their visual health! Specifically, summer break offers an ideal window to begin vision therapy, especially for children and students. If your child has been struggling with visual challenges, there’s no better time to address them.
A Break from School Provides a Stress-Free Schedule
During the school year, students are often juggling packed schedules filled with homework, sports, and extracurricular activities. Adding a brand-new vision therapy program into that routine can sometimes be overwhelming. Summer break, on the other hand, offers a more flexible schedule, allowing kids to fully commit to their therapy sessions without the added pressure of school demands. This is especially important for kids who may be dealing with issues such as:
- Eye tracking problems
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Eye teaming or focusing difficulties
- Visual processing challenges
With more time and fewer distractions, kids can make significant progress over the summer and return to school in the fall with improved visual skills and greater confidence.
Improvement Over Summer Break Means a Stronger Start to the School Year
Vision problems often go unnoticed during the academic year, but they can interfere with reading, comprehension, attention, and overall academic performance. By starting vision therapy over summer break, kids can address these underlying challenges before they start to cause issues in the classroom. A vision therapy program can help your child start the new school year with:
- The ability to read more comfortably for long periods
- Greater confidence in academic and social situations
- Improved ability to focus in class
- Fewer headaches or eye strain during homework
Tackling these issues now with a vision therapy program can turn frustration and struggles into confidence and success when school resumes.
Vision Therapy Can Enhance Athletic Skills for Fall Tryouts
Clear, efficient vision is just as important on the field or court as it is in the classroom. Vision therapy can help improve critical visual skills that directly impact athletic performance, including depth perception, peripheral awareness, eye-hand coordination, and reaction time. Summer break is the ideal time to work on these skills so athletes can be at the top of their game when fall sports tryouts begin. Whether it’s soccer, football, volleyball, or any other sport, vision therapy can give your child a competitive edge and help them feel more confident and capable during practices and games.
Make your Summer Break Appointment with our Vision Therapy Specialists
Vision therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It requires a personalized, carefully designed program based on a thorough evaluation of a person’s visual system. That’s why it’s essential to work with our optometrists who specialize in many different vision therapy techniques.
The professional team at Family Vision Development Center has advanced training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of visual disorders beyond simple eyesight problems. We can identify subtle issues that standard eye exams may miss, and then use evidence-based techniques tailored to each patient’s unique needs. This helps to ensure that your child receives the best possible care – and the highest chance of success. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.
Summer is here and that means longer days, outdoor adventures, and plenty of sunshine. But it also introduces unique risks for your eyes. Enjoy the season safely, with clear and comfortable vision, by following these vision care tips to keep your eyes healthy during the summer months.
Shield Your Eyes from Harmful UV Rays
Any time you are outdoors, there is an increased risk of eye damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
- Always wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection. UV rays can damage not only your skin but also your eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye)
- Don’t be fooled by cloudy days – UV rays penetrate clouds, fog, and haze, so keep your sunglasses handy year-round
- For extra protection, pair your sunglasses with a wide-brimmed hat, which can block up to half of UVB rays that sunglasses alone might miss
Protect Your Eyes When Swimming
Swimming is one the most-loved summer activities for both kids and adults, but it brings some risks along with it.
- Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water can irritate your eyes, strip away the protective tear film, and lead to redness, grittiness, or blurred vision.
- Always wear swim goggles to protect your eyes from chemicals and bacteria. After swimming, rinse your eyes with fresh water to remove any irritants.
- If you experience persistent irritation, use lubricating eye drops for comfort and visit us for an evaluation.
Guard Against Summer Allergens and Dryness
Allergies and dry environments are common in summer, and both can take a toll on your eyes.
- Summer allergens like pollen and grass can cause itchy, red, or watery eyes. If you’re prone to allergies, avoid rubbing your eyes and use doctor-approved allergy eye drops as needed.
- Air conditioning and fans can dry out your eyes. Stay hydrated, consider using a humidifier indoors, and wear wrap-around sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and sun.
Practice Safe Outdoor and Sports Activities
Outdoor fun and sports are highlights of summer, but they can also increase your risk of eye injuries if you’re not prepared.
- Wear protective eyewear when playing sports, gardening, mowing the lawn, or doing home maintenance. This helps prevent serious eye injuries from flying debris or accidental impacts.
- Choose safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI standards for impact resistance when engaging in high-risk activities.
Don’t Forget Rest and Hygiene
Good eye health is more than just protection. In fact, giving your eyes the care and rest they need can go a long way towards proper vision care in the summer months.
- Get adequate sleep – aim for at least 7 – 8 hours per night to help your eyes recover from sun and screen exposure.
- Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) and other infections, especially after outdoor activities or swimming.
Visit Family Vision Development Center for Comprehensive Vision Care
We are dedicated to protecting our patients’ visual health – not only in the summer but all year round! Our experienced team is able to provide the most comprehensive care, from vision exams, glasses and contacts to advanced vision therapy treatment and neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation. When it comes to summer vision care, we are available to answer your important questions and make sure your eyes stay healthy throughout these warm months. Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our practice.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.
