August 13, 2024

Improving Your Visual Skills to Succeed In Sports

Athletes rely on physical fitness, strength, training, and proper nutrition to be in top form. What most people don't realize is the central role visual skills play in sports achievement. Sports vision training enhances visual…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Athletes rely on physical fitness, strength, training, and proper nutrition to be in top form. What most people don’t realize is the central role visual skills play in sports achievement. Sports vision training enhances visual processing by teaching the eyes and brain to work together more efficiently.

Sports vision training improves the visual skills athletes rely on:

  • Eye-hand-body coordination: the eyes and limbs working together to accurately perceive the soccer ball the foot is about to kick
  • Depth perception: understanding the distance between objects, so a base runner can gauge how far to lead off first base
  • Eye tracking: following an object, such as the fast-moving tennis ball your opponent has just served
  • Eye teaming: the eyes working together so a basketball player can whip a strong chest pass to a teammate racing upcourt
  • Peripheral vision: seeing to each side while looking forward and not moving your head, like a quarterback dropping back to pass and noticing a defender about to sack him from the left.
  • Visualization: envisioning the success you desire, like a gymnast preparing for the handsprings and twists needed to successfully execute a floor exercise

Developing Visual Skills Takes Commitment

Accomplished athletes have been honing their visual skills since childhood. As young children, some Major Leaguers swung their baseball bats at the acorns and stones they tossed. Later, they honed their visual skills by focusing on how the baseball’s red stitches rotated to decipher what pitch was en route.

At Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy, we provide customized sports vision training for your sport to help your brain respond accurately and efficiently on the field, court, or rink. If you play soccer, for example, we will teach you techniques to strengthen your peripheral vision to be more alert to approaching defenders. The regimen typically lasts several weeks to several months. By carrying out these exercises at our practice, then repeatedly practicing them at home, your brain and eyes will develop visual memory, which will strengthen necessary visual skills.

First and foremost, our optometrists will conduct an in-depth examination of your visual skills, determine which ones need improving, and will accordingly administer a customized sports vision training program to fit your needs.

Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy serves athletes from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, Vancouver Island, and throughout British Columbia.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 267 Reviews
Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 60 Reviews

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.