August 13, 2024

The 17 Visual Skills Assessed During Your Child’s Functional Eye Exam

Beginning in childhood, general eye exams may detect if a patient has amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. However, more in-depth eye examinations, known as functional eye exams, should…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Beginning in childhood, general eye exams may detect if a patient has amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

However, more in-depth eye examinations, known as functional eye exams, should begin annually during a child’s school years and continue at least until the end of high school or university. The functional eye exam usually includes tests for the 17 visual skills most essential to young people so they can succeed in school, playing sports, driving and other aspects of their lives.

Have Your Child’s Eyes Examined Each School Year

The new school term is a good reminder for all students in primary school, high school and university to undergo a comprehensive functional visual exam every year to check:

  • Central visual acuity: seeing clearly and accurately
  • Peripheral vision: seeing objects at the sides while continuing to look straight ahead
  • Depth perception: understanding the accurate position of all objects in 3D space
  • Colour perception: distinguishing between colours
  • Eye-movement control: efficient eye movements and scanning across a page or screen
  • Binocular coordination: both eyes working together to achieve clear and comfortable vision
  • Saccades: the eyes’ ability to quickly move or ‘jump’ between different focal points
  • Pursuits: both eyes’ smooth movements tracking a moving target
  • Convergence: both eyes working together, to move inwards and easily focus on a nearby object
  • Accommodation flexibility: the eye continuously changing focus between near and distant objects
  • Accommodation endurance: the eyes’ ability to maintain focus for close-up tasks
  • Visual memory: remembering visual images, such as words
  • Visual thinking: analysis of the information about an image (visual/spatial learning or picture thinking)
  • Gross visual-motor skills: employing visual information to direct the body’s movements in a coordinated way
  • Fine visual-motor skills: employing visual information to control the movement of hands, fingers and feet, such as for hand-writing
  • Visual perception: understanding what is being seen and using cognition to process this information
  • Visual integration: using vision together with other senses to perform complex tasks

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

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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
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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

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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.