Sneak Peek
What Is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy involves exercises that strengthen and train the eyes to provide clearer, more comfortable, and effortless vision. It is a non-invasive, doctor supervised program that is tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Vision therapy is often referred to as “physical therapy for the eyes.”
Vision therapy often involves weekly one-on-one sessions with a vision therapist. Typically, therapy sessions are 45-60 minutes, and require additional daily practice exercises to be completed at home. In-office sessions involve the use of therapeutic lenses, specialized equipment, and computer programs to help enhance visual skills.
Improving the function of the visual system is only one of the benefits gained from engaging in a vision therapy program. Vision therapy also stimulates the vestibular system, as well as one’s self-awareness, gross and fine motor control, and sensory integration.
Dr. Chris Schell is proud to provide such a service to Barrie and the surrounding area.
Visual Dysfunctions
Not sure what a visual dysfunction is?
Take a look at our examples below for a better understanding and visual of each.
Accommodative Dysfunctions
Accommodative insufficiency/Infacility
Our ability to focus the eyes quickly and accurately depending on the distance of the object. Sometimes our accommodative muscles do not flex enough or they may flex too much. This can cause objects to be blurry all the time, only sometimes or ‘flicker’ on and off.
Vergence Dysfunctions
Convergence insufficiency/Convergence excess
Our ability to coordinate our vision between both of our eyes equally. Sometimes our eyes cannot cross or uncross together simultaneously which can send mixed signals to the brain. This can make words appear mixed together, split into two or side by side.
Form Perception Dysfunctions
Letter and Word Reversals
When our eyes cannot properly coordinate together the brain has a hard time interpreting what is being seen. Letters and words can often appear backwards or in the wrong place. This can make reading very difficult and sentences very hard to comprehend.
Visual Processing Dysfunction
Peripheral awareness/form perception
In more severe cases, the brain can sometimes perceive unrecognizable patterns when we try to perform certain tasks. The brain cannot understand the information relayed from the eyes. When reading, it is difficult to understand how words interact with each other. Letters can sometimes appear as symbols or appear backwards.
Can These Be Corrected?
Even if you or your child suffers from vision problems with the assistance of proper vision training, their vision can be strengthened and corrected.
Vision Training Spectrum
Real World
Functional Vision
Vision Skills
Structural Vision
The Benefits Of Vision Therapy
Curious how Vision Therapy will benefit you?
Take a look at our Benefits page to learn more about how Vision Therapy positively impacts each type of
visual dysfunction and what you can expect when participating in Vision Training.