Vision Therapy in Ajax, Ontario
Like Physiotherapy, but for your eyes and brain.”
We often assume that vision is how clearly we see things (i.e. whether or not we see “20/20”); however, this is actually just our central vision. Central vision is only one visual skill out of 17 that contribute to vision! Other visual skills include eye movement control, focusing, using the eyes together as a team, and visual perceptual skills.
Vision is learned through our experiences as we navigate our early weeks, months and years of life! Good, clear and comfortable vision requires all visual skills to be working well so that the brain can easily take the information received by the eyes and make sense of it.
Sometimes visual skills may not develop appropriately or may be affected by injury (such as concussion). Vision therapy can improve these visual skills that cannot be fixed with glasses alone.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy (VT) is a program of activities using specialized tools and equipment designed to improve reduced visual skills that can make it a challenge to complete day-to-day tasks easily. It is based on the concept of neuroplasticity; the ability of the brain to rewire itself as it learns. Vision Therapy is done under the supervision of an optometrist specifically trained in vision therapy and includes an in-clinic component, as well as home exercises to build on and reinforce the skills being developed in the clinic. Our vision therapy program is individualized for each patient to meet their specific vision needs.
If I can already see “20/20″, why might I need Vision Therapy?”
Vision is how the brain takes information from the eyes and makes sense out if it. Seeing “20/20” is only 1 of 17 Visual Skills. If any combination of those skills are deficient, it can impact many areas of life including learning, reading, writing, balance, productivity at work, sports performance, self-confidence, etc.
How do I know if Vision Therapy is Right for Me or My Child?
Individuals with reduced visual skills can have various symptoms, some of which may not seem obviously related to vision. Click here for a list of potential symptoms. Seeing your optometrist for regular eye exams can help identify problems that may be related to reduced visual skills. Based on symptoms and eye exam findings, your optometrist may refer you for a visual skills assessment. Once a referral has been received, you will be contacted to schedule an initial assessment with our vision therapy-trained optometrist, Dr. Seema Koria, to test the visual system’s ‘hardware’ to get a better understanding of your or your child’s specific needs. This initial assessment can take 2-2.5 hours. You will be given a questionnaire to fill out for review prior to your visit. In some cases, a second assessment may be required. Once Dr. Koria has analyzed the results of the assessment, she will be able to determine if vision therapy would be helpful in treating your symptoms. You would be given a report of the findings, and we would then review results and treatment options with you.
More Information
VT can benefit both Adults and Children. Many individuals have undiagnosed vision conditions that may be affecting their daily activities.
- Individuals with learning disabilities/difficulties (ex. reading, spelling, “dyslexia”)
- Individuals with strabismus (eye turn) or amblyopia (lazy eye or otherwise healthy eye with poor acuity)
- Individuals with focus issues, ADD, ADHD, autism, anxiety
- Acquired Brain Injuries (post-concussion, stroke, post-traumatic vision syndrome (PTVS))
- Athletes wanting to reach peak performance in sports
- Individuals experiencing eye strain on computer, reading, motion sickness
We encourage you to contact us with any questions related to Vision Therapy or how to get started by calling (289) 660-1543 or emailing vt@ajaxeyecare.com.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
1. Facebook group of Parents whose kids have done vision therapy (>37,000 members). You can see firsthand from other parents who were in similar situations. https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTparentsunite/
2. Signs & Symptoms of Vision-related learning problems. https://www.covd.org/page/symptoms