August 13, 2024

Looking for a Sports Vision Optometrist? Here?s What You Need to Know

What Is a Sports Vision Optometrist? A sports vision optometrist is an optometrist who is trained to assess and treat vision problems relating to sports. They assess and help athletes of all ages and abilities…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

man playing tennis in VictoriaWhat Is a Sports Vision Optometrist?

A sports vision optometrist is an optometrist who is trained to assess and treat vision problems relating to sports. They assess and help athletes of all ages and abilities develop the visual skills they need to improve their sports performance.

Sports vision optometrists usually work with coaches to create a custom-designed regimen for individual athletes with the goal of helping them take their game to the next level.

What is Sports Vision Therapy?

Struggle to track a ball or need to improve your reaction time? Sports vision therapy can help! It?s a personalized program of exercises that will train your eyes to work as a team and to communicate more efficiently with your brain.

You?ll meet regularly with a sports vision optometrist, learn new visual exercises, and practice them in between sessions. It?s the same principle as physical therapy?but for the visual system.

What Are the Benefits of Sports Vision Therapy?

No matter what sport you play, sports vision therapy can help you improve your game by developing the following visual skills:

  • Focusing?changing focus from one object to another
  • Peripheral vision?seeing things from the side of your eyes
  • Dynamic visual acuity?effectively perceiving objects in motion
  • Hand-eye-body coordination?reacting quickly to visual information
  • Depth perception?assessing the distance between objects and/or other athletes

What Happens When I Meet With a Sports Vision Optometrist?

First, your sports vision optometrist will ask you questions about your medical history and goals and will provide a functional eye exam to assess whether you have any lagging visual skills that can be improved.

Based on this assessment, the optometrist will create a customized program of eye exercises to strengthen certain visual skills, such as focusing on the ball, detecting an opponent moving at your side, and reacting quickly to visual stimuli.

How Do I Find a Sports Vision Optometrist?

If you?re looking for a sports vision specialist, one of the best ways to find one is to ask for a referral from your regular eye doctor. At Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance our eye doctors will refer you to a sports vision specialist who will assess your vision needs and customize a program just for you.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions with Scott Irvine, O.D.

Q: What Questions Should I Ask a Sports Vision Optometrist?

A: When you meet with a sports vision optometrist, consider asking the following questions:

  • How long will the sports vision program last?
  • Do I need any special equipment to complete the program?
  • Do you work with sports teams or individual athletes in the area?
  • Would special sports eyewear also enhance my game?

Q: Can Sports Vision Training Help with Martial Arts?

A: A sports vision optometrist can help you develop dynamic visual acuity, which makes it easier for you to see and respond quickly to kicks and punches. Eye-hand coordination exercises will improve your timing so you can execute offensive and defensive moves. Fine-tuning your peripheral vision allows you to see activity at the side, so you?ll always be ready to react. Seek out a sports vision optometrist who has experience training athletes in the area of martial arts.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
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250-412-6459
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  • Thursday:
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  • Saturday:
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  • Sunday:
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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.