Vision problems linked to reading problems

Post author:DrLee
Post published:February 20, 2018
Post category:kids vision therapy
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A new Canadian study finds that many elementary school children who read below grade level have challenges with their eyesight — even if *standard* tests say their vision is 20/20.

Children with accommodative issues have trouble focusing or have trouble changing their focus from one distance to another. Those with vergence issues have difficulty turning their eye in or out (eye movements often required for reading). Children with oculomotor issues have trouble with eye tracking and may lose their place when reading. Seeing 20/20 is not everything!

A complete binocular vision assessment is not always part of a standard vision test. That is why a Visual Skills Assessment should be part of the investigation for any student with reading difficulties! Call us for more information (905) 666-4848

The study from University of Waterloo: Eye Exams Linked to Kids’ Reading Level

How Vision Affects Learning

Post author:DrLee
Post published:January 31, 2018
Post category:vision therapy
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Does this sound like someone you know?
“When my son was in second grade, it became clear that he was struggling to read. Despite the fact that he was curious, loved to learn and seemed truly interested in reading, he appeared to be in need of special education. So he ended up in a special reading room. Unfortunately, after several months, his reading skills did not improve.” …
“Perhaps he had a learning-related vision problem? He did! After four months of vision therapy, my son was able to drop the special reading help, join his peers in the main classroom and move forward with his studies.”

We see this all too often. Kids just get a label at school, but nothing to actually treat the conditions that are causing the problem.

Read more in this article from a special education resource teacher in Minnesota, on how most school screenings only check distance sight (with the letter chart). Even if a kid has 20/20 distance acuity, doesn’t mean he/she has all the vision skills which are needed to read.

Link to Article: When Vision Affects Learning

Find out whether it’s just a vision problem getting in the way, because those can be treated! Call (905) 666-4848 for more information about booking a Visual Skills Assessment

Working With Physiotherapists

Post author:DrLee
Post published:November 25, 2017
Post category:vision therapy
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Thank you Physiotherapy Associates of Port Perry for having me in yesterday to talk about vision problems after concussion! Loved meeting your team. Your vision plays such a huge role in your functioning…. when it’s not helping or doing its job, your vision will hinder you. These guys are really striving to find the best treatments to help their patients recover faster!

Vision and Autism

Post author:DrLee
Post published:November 20, 2017
Post category:vision therapy
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Happy Sunday! A great lecture this morning about autism and where vision fits in the journey (lack of eye contact is the most common complaint!). Always love learning about how we can do more to help our special populations. This was my favourite lecture this weekend

More Vision Therapy Training!

Post author:DrLee
Post published:November 18, 2017
Post category:vision therapy
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Dr Lee and your wonderful vision therapists were out of the office for two jam-packed days of lectures at COVD Canada! It was such a treat for Dr. Lee and Genevieve to learn about Vision and Learning from 2 amazing past presidents of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Dr Lynn Hellerstein (author of the award-winning See It, Say It, Do It book) and Dr Nancy Torgerson (2015 Washington Physician of the Year).
At the same time, Britt got extensive training in acquired brain injuries and concussion from Dr Curt Baxstrom (Vice President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association). We love learning and staying on the cutting-edge of best practices that will help our patients!