August 13, 2024

Why Visit a Developmental Optometrist?

There are optometrists, and then there are optometrists with training in a certain area of eye health. Just as in other fields of medicine, there are different levels of care, knowledge, and expertise in the…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

There are optometrists, and then there are optometrists with training in a certain area of eye health. Just as in other fields of medicine, there are different levels of care, knowledge, and expertise in the area of optometry. Choosing an eye doctor who has the knowledge and training to treat your specific eye condition can provide optimal results.

Optometrists Vs. Developmental Optometrists

Understanding the difference between an optometrist and a developmental optometrist is critical and can make a big difference in your treatment process and results.

Optometrists

A regular optometrist can diagnose various eye diseases, prescribe medication for treatment, and provide prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Optometrists provide eye exams that evaluate a patient’s overall eye health, visual acuity (20/20, 20/40 etc), and the need for any corrective measures. While these are important aspects of vision, these tests don?t detect other visual disorders which can impact reading and learning. These eye exams cannot detect the majority of vision problems, such as eye teaming (binocular vision), focusing, tracking and visual processing.

Developmental Optometrists

A developmental optometrist treats functional vision problems, including difficulties with binocular vision, eye movements and depth perception, as well as visual deficits following brain injuries. They use comprehensive evaluations and tools that test for vision problems that may go undetected using standard vision exams. Developmental optometrists base their work on the principle that vision can be developed and improved, and done so by using prisms, lenses and vision therapy.

Certain Developmental Optometrists focus on specific areas, such as children’s vision, sports vision, vision problems impacting academic performance, stroke and head injury, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Choosing an Optometrist vs. an Ophthalmologist for Contact Lenses ThumbnailContact Opto-Mization today to assess whether you or your child’s life is being negatively impacted by vision issues.

What are the Goals of Behavioural Optometry?

  1. To keep vision and eye problems from developing or deteriorating
  2. To treat vision problems that have already developed
  3. To ensure that the visual abilities required for academic achievement, in work, in sports and when using computers, are well developed and working optimally

What Can I Expect During a Developmental Optometry Exam?

A developmental optometry evaluation will test for the following:

  1. Ability for the eyes to focus on an object or image from a distance
  2. Eye coordination – ensuring eyes work in tandem
  3. Ability to follow a moving object or text in a book
  4. Visual perception: checking that the brain properly ‘translates’ what the eyes see

The results will reveal which functions need improvement and will help the developmental optometrist determine which treatment option is best ? whether vision therapy, special glasses, and/or medicine.

Great Vision for Successful Development in School and Life

Developmental optometrists work with children and infants to ensure that these young patients develop the visual skills needed for successful development.Children are particularly vulnerable to injuries that occur in school, during sports, swimming, or other extracurricular activities. Injuries such as concussions, falling downstairs or on the field, can cause vision and eye-hand coordination problems.

Children with learning difficulties can benefit from working with a developmental optometrist. For example, kids who struggle with reading are often assumed to have learning disabilities, when in reality, their learning issues can be attributed to vision problems. Moreover, incorrectly diagnosing a child with a learning disability can have many negative repercussions, on an emotional and social level, that could last for many years, and all the way through adulthood.

Visual Tracking

Visual tracking is the ability to look at something and follow it as it moves or to track a line, such as when reading. When someone struggles with this movement, it can impact various activities, such as reading, driving, or sports.

Examples of visual tracking problems in children could include:

  • Reversing letters: p and q, b and d, etc.
  • Using a finger to keep their place in a book
  • Skipping words or entire lines
  • Replacing words
  • Sitting in an odd position; tilting the head or leaning very close to a book or TV

Adults can also experience visual tracking problems, such as:

  • Squinting
  • Clumsy behavior
  • Repeatedly re-reading or losing their place in a book

If left untreated, these symptoms can deteriorate over time. As the child grows and develops, academic studies become more challenging, requiring more focus and concentration. This renders it even more critical to assess and treat any abnormalities or deficiencies as soon as possible.

We Can Help Your Child Have Great Vision

Children who struggle with basic eye functioning can tire easily in class, which can be incorrectly diagnosed as ADHD. They tend to also fall behind in their work and don?t perform to their abilities in reading and writing tasks.

If any of this sounds like your child, contact Opto-Mization and make an appointment with our optometrists today. The doctor can run tests to identify delays in childhood development that may have been missed by other practitioners.

Opto-Mization helps patients with developmental vision problems and other vision irregularities from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, in the British Columbia area enjoy great vision and a higher quality of life.

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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

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.