Vision Therapy

​

“Vision therapy” is a term used by optometrists. Optometrists define vision therapy as an attempt to develop or improve visual skills and abilities; improve visual comfort, ease, and efficiency; and change visual processing or interpretation of visual information.

​

There are three main categories of vision therapy:

​

1. “Orthoptic vision therapy” so called by optometrists are a series of exercises usually weekly over several months performed in the optometric office. Orthoptic eye exercises (orthoptics), as used by pediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists, are eye exercises to improve binocular function and are taught in the office and carried out at home. ”Orthoptics” is a well-established profession performed by “Orthoptists ”who work within the sub-specialty of ophthalmology. Orthoptists evaluate and measure eye deviations, manage amblyopia treatment and treat small intermittent symptomatic eye deviations.

​

2. Behavioral/perceptual vision therapy – eye exercises to improve visual processing and visual perception.

​

3. Vision therapy for prevention or correction of myopia (nearsightedness)

​

Pediatric ophthalmologists can be recommended by your pediatrician or primary care provider.  Additionally, if vision therapy is being prescribed in a child with learning disabilities you may ask for scientific evidence specifically related to the improvement of the learning disability.