August 13, 2024

Nurturing Children’s Vision: Beyond the Basic Eye Exams

As parents, we want nothing but the best for our children's overall health and well-being. While we might think that a regular eye exam is enough to ensure their visual health, it's important to understand…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

AdobeStock 293161351 basic eye examAs parents, we want nothing but the best for our children’s overall health and well-being. While we might think that a regular eye exam is enough to ensure their visual health, it’s important to understand that a general eye exam does not cover all the aspects of their vision.

Pediatric developmental optometrists possess the expertise to delve deeper into a child?s visual skills and address any deficits that can hinder their success. In this blog, we explore the significance of these specialized tests and how vision therapy can help set your child up for success, both in and out of school.

Seeing Beyond the Basics at Neuro Visual Performance

A regular eye exam mainly focuses on assessing visual acuity, the ability to see clearly at given distance. While this is undoubtedly important, there are other critical visual skills that influence a child’s overall visual performance and success. In fact, there are a total of 17 visual skills that all contribute to strong vision.

Pediatric developmental optometrists are trained to evaluate a child’s visual abilities beyond what a general eye exam can capture. By conducting a more thorough assessment, they can identify any underlying visual issues that might affect a child’s academic performance.

Vision Therapy: Unleashing a Child’s Potential

Vision therapy is a specialized program designed to support, develop, and improve a child’s visual skills, which can directly impact their success, both in and out of the classroom. It is a personalized, non-invasive treatment option that uses various exercises and activities to train and strengthen the visual system.

Here?s how vision therapy can help your child:

  1. Visual Skill Enhancement: Vision therapy targets specific visual skills such as eye tracking, focusing abilities, eye teaming, and visual perception. Through tailored exercises, children learn to improve their eye movements, coordination, and visual processing skills.
  1. Improved Academic Performance: Strong visual skills are essential for reading, writing, comprehension, and overall academic achievement. By enhancing these skills through vision therapy, children can overcome challenges and perform better in the classroom.
  1. Improved Visual Comfort: Some children may experience discomfort or fatigue while reading or working on close-up tasks. Vision therapy can address these issues, making their visual experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
  1. Confidence Boost: When a child’s visual skills improve, so does their confidence! Vision therapy empowers children to feel more capable and accomplished, leading to increased self-esteem and a positive attitude toward learning.

Schedule Your Child?s Functional Visual Evaluation at Neuro Visual Performance

If you want to make sure your child?s vision sets them up for success, or wish to address visual problems they may be having, schedule an appointment at Neuro Visual Performance to get started.

We look forward to helping your child achieve their potential through optimal visual functioning!

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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:
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  • 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
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Out of 265 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
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

You Ask, We'll Answer

Educating you so you can make informed decisions

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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.