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ABOUT VISION THERAPY What is Vision Therapy? Optometric vision therapy is the art and science of developing visual abilities to achieve optimal performance and comfort. Through a series of exercises programmed by the doctor, patients learn to use their visual abilities in new or more efficient ways with the guidance of a therapy assistant. Although similar to physical therapy, thought processes are involved in vision therapy since the eyes are a direct outgrowth of brain tissue. Who Can Benefit From Vision Therapy? Patients of all ages can benefit from vision therapy. The nature of the therapy program varies with the condition treated. For example, a three year-old child with amblyopia, or "lazy eye", may simply have the better eye patched for a short period of time. An eight year-old child with strabismus, or "crossed eye", may require therapy for a period of a year. A 30 year-old computer programmer may require three to six months to solve a visual problem causing significant eye strain. For information on patients with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, and other conditions related to visual perception and information processing, see our web page: The Vision and Learning Center. Is Vision Therapy New? Although a dynamic Optometric specialty improving visual function and performance, vision therapy is actually an outgrowth of orthoptics. Orthoptics, which literally means "straightening of the eyes", was introduced to this country by physicians in the late 1800's. As physicians became more focused on eyeglasses, medication , and surgery, the benefits of orthoptics were taught to fewer and fewer practitioners. However, optometrists in the mid 1900's took the best that orthoptics had to offer, and pioneered in the development of vision therapy. What's Involved In A Vision Therapy Program? Patients typically come to the office twice weekly for 30 minutes each visit. In addition, a workbook is included which contains instruction for activities to be done at home as reinforcement of what is learned during the office therapy sessions. Commitment to the therapy program, and maintaining a schedule of weekly visits, is important in the success of the program. Can't I Just Do The Therapy At Home By Myself? Vision therapy programs are individualized for the patient, and careful guidance and frequent monitoring is required for success. When attempted by patients without guidance, poor visual habits may actually be reinforced. In addition, specialty computer programs with liquid crystal polarizing goggles, and other specialized instrumentation is used which does not lend itself to unsupervised use at home. Will My Insurance Cover Vision Therapy? Some of the better health insurance policies cover the medical aspect of vision therapy, known as orthoptics. Coverage has no relationship to vision care plans which cover eye examinations, eyeglasses, or contact lenses once every year or two. Do not allow insurance companies to make arbitrary decisions that prevent you or your child from receiving necessary care. Our office will assist you in making financial arrangement for vision therapy. For therapy services which are non-medical in nature, see our web page: The Vision and Learning Center. How Long Does Vision Therapy Last? When the program is complete, the benefits of vision therapy will last for a lifetime. Accurate focusing and the use of both eyes together efficiently is a reflex which, when conditioned, should operate effortlessly. Self-monitoring activities are pre scribed at the end of each therapy program. Non-medical vision therapy, as related to visual perception, prepares children for a lifelong learning, and fills in gaps for many adults who have lost visual skills and abilities. Where Can I Learn More About Vision Therapy? You are invited to read a very extensive collection of FAQs (frequently asked questions) on vision therapy in an Interview with Dr. Press.
Our office also has an information packet about vision therapy, which is available upon request. There is abundant research, referenced in this packet, which proves the effectiveness of vision therapy. After a consultation with Dr. Press, patients receive additional information, including names of patients who have been successful with vision therapy, or who have children that have successfully completed vision therapy. These individuals have indicated the time which is best to call them and discuss their experiences.
For professionals seeking more information, Dr. Press is the author of the text entitled: Applied Concepts in Vision Therapy, published in 1997 by Mosby, one of the leading medical publishing companies in the United States. |
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