Behavioural Optomery is involved in bringing you vision, not just sight. Sight refers to the ability to read the bottom line of a letter chart from 6 metres away. Sight is merely a sensory acquisition of light impulses. Vision refers not only to the ability to read, but to be able to read comfortably and efficiently. It incorporates visions’ interralations with body movement, balance, posture, orientation, position in space, perceptual processing, learning difficulties and stress reactivity.
We prescribe compensatory glasses if needed, but most of our glasses are prevention, remediation or enhancement glasses.
Method:
Behavioural Optometry can help in areas such as:
Learning difficulties – poor handwriting, poor reading, poor reading comprehension
Traumatic brain injuries
Autism, celebral palsy
Sore and tired eyes from the computer
Preventing short sightedness
Improving sports performance
Eye movement – To avoid skipping lines or words when reading
Near point stress – dry eyes, itchy eyes, watery eyes, difficulty focusing
In-office vision therapy is an individualised programme provided under professional supervision, and is aimed at maximising the patient’s visual abilities. This usually involves one visit per week to the office. At each visit, the optometrist works with the patient to develop an awareness of important aspects of visual function and the ability to initiate self directed control over such functions. The in-office sessions are supplemented with activities to complete at home. The home training sessions are as important as the office sessions for adequate success.
The success of any Vision Therapy programme is highly dependent on the patient’s active participation in the programme and desire to improve performance. Both the patient (and parents) must be willing to dedicate a portion of each day to the Vision Therapy programme to ensure success. The biggest gains made in Vision Therapy come from daily experience of the tasks provided in the programme, which are designed to challenge and improve visual function.
The goals of the patient and parent will be discussed, as will the goals of the optometrist. These goals will be taken into consideration when planning the programme.
Additionally, we also provide computerised vision therapy programmes. The Optometrist will discuss if you need this. Please do not hesitate to discuss any queries you may have with your Optometrist. For more information please check www.acbo.org.au and Vision Therapy Parents Unite on Facebook.