If you or your child are experiencing vision-related symptoms that don’t show up on a standard eye chart, a comprehensive eye exam at Opto-Mization may be the key to finally understanding what’s going on. At our Victoria clinic, every comprehensive exam includes functional vision testing—assessments that go beyond basic sight to evaluate how the eyes and brain work together.
Whether it’s reading challenges, motion sensitivity, or persistent fatigue during visual tasks, these issues often stem from functional vision problems, not just clarity. Our exams are designed to uncover what traditional tests often miss—helping patients of all ages improve comfort, performance, and quality of life. If you’re looking for trusted, in-depth vision care in Victoria, here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Functional Vision Exam?
A functional vision exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates how well your visual system performs under real-world conditions. It includes testing of:
- Eye tracking (how well the eyes move together across a line of text)
- Eye teaming (how well both eyes align and work as a unit)
- Binocular vision (depth perception and coordination between eyes)
- Focusing skills (the ability to switch and sustain focus at different distances)
- Visual processing (how your brain interprets and organizes visual input)
- Visual-motor integration (how vision guides movement, especially in children)
This type of exam is essential for diagnosing underlying visual issues that affect reading, learning, balance, and even emotional regulation. Unlike routine eye exams, which measure acuity (e.g., 20/20 vision), functional vision exams look at how efficiently and comfortably your entire visual system operates.
Who Should Book a Functional Eye Exam?
At Opto-Mization Victoria, we recommend functional vision exams for both children and adults who are experiencing symptoms such as:
In children, functional vision problems can look like:
- Struggles with reading or comprehension
- Skipping lines or losing place on the page
- Difficulty maintaining attention or focus in the classroom
- Headaches or eye fatigue after reading or screen time
- Poor handwriting or coordination — often seen in children diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
In Adults, Vision Problems May Look Like:
- Dizziness or motion sensitivity (especially in busy environments)
- Frequent headaches or migraines triggered by visual activity
- Eye strain or fatigue when using screens or reading for extended periods
- Sensitivity to light or glare (photophobia)
- Difficulty concentrating or symptoms similar to ADHD
- Fatigue or discomfort when driving, especially at night or in rain
- Neck or shoulder tension from compensating posture
- Poor depth perception or clumsiness (bumping into objects, spilling drinks)
- Disorientation in visually complex spaces (e.g., malls, grocery stores)
- Visual overstimulation in crowded or moving environments
- Balance issues, especially when turning corners or walking in motion-rich areas
- Trouble recovering from a concussion or brain injury
- Avoidance of visually demanding tasks (e.g., reading, driving, scrolling)
If you’re experiencing any of these, a functional vision exam may reveal underlying issues not detected in a standard eye test.
Ready to get answers?
Book your functional vision exam at Opto-Mization Victoria today
In Seniors, Vision Problems May Look Like:
- Unexplained dizziness or unsteadiness when walking
- Increased risk of falls, especially in new or cluttered environments
- Difficulty navigating stairs or curbs
- Trouble reading or watching TV for long periods
- Headaches or eye discomfort after using glasses
- Misjudging distances or reaching for objects inaccurately
- Sensitivity to light, glare, or fast-moving visuals
- Slower recovery from changes in lighting (e.g., going from outside to inside)
- Feeling visually overwhelmed in crowded spaces
- Fatigue or confusion when driving or riding in a car
- Difficulty recognizing faces or facial expressions in conversation
- Anxiety or discomfort in unfamiliar visual environments
- Changes in posture to compensate for vision issues (e.g., tilting the head)
- Trouble following moving objects (like cars or people)
Many of these signs can be linked to undiagnosed binocular vision issues, which often respond well to proper diagnosis and care.
These issues often go undetected for months—or even years—because standard eye exams don’t assess the full range of visual function. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, a functional vision exam can uncover areas for improvement that enhance performance, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Why Choose Opto-Mization Victoria?
At Opto-Mization, we specialize in the type of care most clinics don’t offer. Our Victoria location provides full-scope optometry and advanced functional vision care under one roof.
Here’s why patients across southern Vancouver Island choose us:
Expertise in functional and neuro-optometric testing
Our team includes experienced optometrists and vision therapists trained to identify subtle yet impactful visual skill deficits. Every assessment is tailored to the patient’s symptoms, history, and age.
Patient-first, team-based care
We take the time to understand your concerns, walk you through every test, and explain the results clearly. If treatment is recommended, we work with you to create a personalized therapy plan.
Comprehensive reports and support
After your exam, we provide a detailed explanation of the findings, along with recommendations. In some cases, we may suggest vision therapy or coordinate care with your family doctor, teacher, or other health professionals.
Care that goes beyond prescriptions
Many of our patients come to us after being told their vision is “fine” elsewhere—yet they still struggle with reading, dizziness, or fatigue. Our functional exams are built to look deeper and offer a path forward.
What Makes Our Exams Different?
A typical eye exam lasts about 20 minutes and checks for refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, etc.), eye health, and possibly a quick screening for binocular function.
At Opto-Mization Victoria, a functional vision exam takes significantly longer and includes a much more detailed set of assessments. Our optometrists evaluate how visual skills are integrated across the visual, cognitive, and motor systems—especially important for children with learning challenges or adults recovering from trauma.
Your exam may include:
- Eye movement recordings to assess tracking accuracy
- Tests for eye teaming and fusion stability
- Accommodative testing for focusing stamina and flexibility
- Visual-spatial assessments
- Visual memory and processing speed evaluations
- Observation of visual behaviours and fatigue levels
We then explain not just what the numbers mean, but how your vision may be affecting your performance and quality of life.
What Happens After the Exam?
If your visual system is functioning well, no further action is needed. If we identify areas of concern, your optometrist will walk you through your options, which may include:
- Prescription lenses to support specific visual functions
- A custom vision therapy program
- Referral to another professional if needed (e.g., occupational therapist, neurologist)
- Recommendations for home strategies, school accommodations, or visual hygiene
You’ll never be left with vague answers or unexplained test results. Our goal is always clarity, collaboration, and practical next steps.
Are Functional Vision Exams Covered?
Coverage for functional vision exams may vary depending on your extended health plan. While they are not fully covered by MSP (Medical Services Plan of BC), many private benefit plans include coverage for vision therapy or neuro-optometric assessments.
We can provide the necessary documentation to help you with claims, and our administrative team is happy to guide you through the process.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, feel free to call our team. We’ll help you determine the appropriate appointment type based on your symptoms and history.
What Patients Are Saying
While we don’t include testimonials in our written content, the Reviews page speaks volumes about the impact of our exams and treatment. Families often describe their visit to Opto-Mization as the turning point—when they finally understood the cause of their child’s reading issues or their own visual discomfort after a head injury.
This level of care is exactly what we strive to deliver with every appointment.
Get the Answers You’ve Been Searching For
You shouldn’t have to live with unexplained symptoms or watch your child struggle with reading and focus. A functional vision exam provides the deeper insight needed to understand—and resolve—hidden visual challenges.
Book your assessment with Opto-Mization Victoria today and take the first step toward better vision, better learning, and better living.
