A vision therapy program is a specialized treatment designed to improve visual function or help restore normal vision. As a parent, it can be difficult to determine if your child would benefit from such a program. However, understanding the signs that indicate a need for vision therapy, along with the benefits it offers, can help you make an informed decision.
What Is Vision Therapy?
A vision therapy program is a non-invasive, customized treatment plan that helps develop or improve fundamental visual abilities. It uses targeted exercises and activities to improve visual skills such as eye tracking, focusing, eye teaming, and hand-eye coordination. Unlike corrective lenses or surgery, vision therapy focuses on training the brain and eyes to work together effectively.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from a Vision Therapy Program
Vision disorders are not always obvious, but there are some signs that parents can watch for that can indicate that an issue exists. If your child struggles with any of the following, a vision therapy program might be worth exploring:
- Learning Difficulties – Trouble reading, frequent skipping of words or lines, or reversing letters could signal a vision issue rather than a learning disability.
- Poor Hand-Eye Coordination – Difficulty with tasks like catching a ball or handwriting may indicate visual-motor integration issues.
- Struggling with Focus – Signs include frequent rubbing of the eyes, headaches, or inability to concentrate on close-up tasks.
- Double Vision or Blurred Vision – These symptoms can make reading and other activities challenging.
- Strabismus or Amblyopia – Conditions like crossed eyes or a “lazy eye” often benefit from vision therapy, helping to align and strengthen the eyes.
- Behavioral Changes – Frustration, avoiding schoolwork, or withdrawing from activities may result from unaddressed vision problems.
Benefits of a Vision Therapy Program
A vision therapy program can offer numerous advantages for children facing visual challenges:
- Improved Academic Performance – Enhanced reading and comprehension skills often lead to better grades and a boost in confidence.
- Better Focus and Attention – Exercises to strengthen focusing abilities can reduce distractions and fatigue during tasks.
- Corrected Vision Issues – A vision therapy program can address underlying problems, helping to improve conditions like amblyopia or convergence insufficiency.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance – Better hand-eye coordination and depth perception translate to improved sports abilities.
- Greater Confidence – Success in vision therapy often results in increased self-esteem and a more positive attitude toward learning and activities.
What to Expect in a Vision Therapy Program
At Family Vision Development Center, we tailor each vision therapy program to meet your child’s unique needs. During an initial evaluation, we will perform comprehensive tests to identify visual deficits. From there, a treatment plan will be developed, incorporating tools like lenses, prisms, or computer-based exercises. Regular progress assessments help to ensure the program adapts to your child’s development.
Restoring Normal Vision and Beyond
Vision therapy can be transformative for children, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. By addressing the root causes of vision problems, a specialized vision therapy program supports not only better eyesight but also improved learning, confidence, and quality of life. Our dedicated team has advanced training and extensive knowledge in a wide variety of vision therapy techniques so we can address each patient’s individual needs and answer all of your important questions. Contact our office at 630-862-2020 to find out more or to schedule a consultation.
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.