Dr. Kennedy introduced our practice to vision therapy. It’s one of his passions, and he’s seen hundreds of lives improved and changed by the work we do!
What Is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a medical service that works to improve basic visual abilities, much like occupational therapy, speech therapy or physical therapy works to improve other bodily functions.
There are many important skills needed in order for our visual system to work efficiently. When these skills don’t develop the way they should, it leaves a person with impaired vision.
But with therapeutic exercises and techniques, we’re often able to help the brain and eye develop more of what they need to see properly.
Why Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is invaluable for some people; it has the potential to improve these several visual skills that enhance our lives so much:
1. Tracking: Tracking is vitally important for reading and comprehension. You must be able to move your eyes accurately to get full meaning when reading across a line of print.
2. Fixation: The ability to find a look at a series of stationary objects ( words on a page).
3. Visual Discrimination: The ability to detect small differences, like “Henry” not “Harry” or “through” not “though”.
4. Binocularity: Eyes that work together as one, like they are designed to!
5. Peripheral Vision: This is the ability to notice things which aren’t in your direct line of sight. It’s important for knowing where to look next when reading.
6. Visual Memory: This is “picturing” in your mind what you’ve seen before. Most great readers, writers, and spellers have above-average visual memory skills.
Who Vision Therapy Can Help
We’ve seen people who participate in vision therapy benefit in numerous way. Of course, these benefits are different for everyone and depend on each person’s experience, but we’ve seen a pattern of general outcomes:
Many younger patients have noticed they get better grades in school and homework is no longer such a chore to complete.
Adults report they work more efficiently in the office or on their job site.
Patients of all ages report that reading is easier, they’ve improved in sports, and they no longer get stress-related headaches.
What Does It Take To Do Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy means a once a week visit to our Titusville office for a period of time, where you or your child will work with a trained vision therapist.
You will be guided through a series of activities designed to correct visual processing problems and/or build visual skills. The games are fun but challenging, and you will also be assigned activities to do at home.
Think you or your child may benefit from vision therapy? Set up your appointment at any of our three locations, where we can diagnose if vision therapy is a good fit for you.
Click here to schedule in our Meadville location, or to request an appointment at either Titusville or Oil City.
