Many vision disorders can be treated with corrective lenses such as glasses or contacts, while other disorders may be most effectively treated with optometric vision therapy or with a combination of the two.

Vision therapy, an optometric specialty treatment, has been clinically shown to be an effective treatment for accommodative disorders (non-presbyopic eye focusing problems), binocular dysfunction (inefficient eye teaming), ocular motility dysfunctions (eye movement disorders), strabismus (turned eye), amblyopia (lazy eye), and perceptual-motor dysfunction.

Research studies have shown that children and adults with amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (turned eye) may be able to improve their visual performance and function through vision therapy. For many years, it was thought that amblyopia and strabismus was only amenable to treatment during the “critical period”. This is the period up to age seven or eight years. However, recent research has demonstrated that effective treatment can occur at any age, but the length of the treatment period increases dramatically the longer the condition has existed prior to treatment.

Vision therapy is not new. Physicians in the mid-1800s originally introduced many of the techniques that are used today. Modern Optometric Vision Therapy was pioneered in the United States in 1928 by optometrist A. M. Skeffington. Throughout the years, vision therapy has been called various names such as visual training, orthoptics, or eye exercises. Today, optometry students are required to take an introductory course in vision therapy.

For those optometrists who wish to specialize in vision therapy, they must receive postdoctoral training in functional / developmental / behavioral vision care. Many optometrists that specialize in vision therapy may be known as a Behavioral, Developmental, Functional, or Neuro-Rehabilitation Optometrist.

To determine if an individual is a candidate for optometric vision therapy, a Comprehensive Vision Function Evaluation should be given. This examination is more detailed than a routine eye exam. As in a routine eye exam, the optometrist will be evaluating the health of the eyes and determine if the patient has 20/20 eyesight. In addition, a functional vision examination will evaluate all of the patient’s visual abilities, not just visual acuity. Standardized tests can be given to evaluate the patient’s focusing skills, eye teaming skills, eye tracking skills, visual-motor skills, and visual perceptual skills. If vision therapy is indicated, then the optometrist will prescribe treatment.

Generally, the length of a vision therapy program will range from several weeks to several months. The nature and severity of the disorder being treated, the specific needs of the patient, patient compliance, and the patient’s medical history affect the duration of treatment. Typically, treatment is administered in the office under the supervision of the optometrist. During the program, home activities are usually given to reinforce the developing skills. The goals of vision therapy are to improve the patient’s visual function, relieve associated signs and symptoms, meet the patient’s needs, and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Some medical insurance companies contribute to your costs of optometric vision therapy, and classify vision therapy as “Orthoptics”. The percentage of coverage and the number of sessions covered can vary greatly. Ask your insurance carrier for details on their contribution to this important vision service. Vision therapy is not generally covered by basic vision care plans that simply cover yearly eye examinations, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.