Like many forms of therapy, different providers perform vision therapy in different ways. So how do you decide the best fit for you?
Whether you think of vision therapy as learning a new set of visual skills or as a type of physical therapy for your eyes, it is best done in a one-on-one environment. Parents often complain of class size because they want their child to receive more one-on-one time with the teacher. People love having a personal trainer at the gym because they see better results faster. The fact is, one-on-one attention from a trained professional in any area of life is ideal because it allows the program to be customized to you. This environment allows you to progress at your own rate, target areas that need improvement, and allow you to achieve the personal goals you have set for yourself. Some vision therapy programs are performed in a one-on-one environment while others are performed in a group setting.
Question to ask: Is the vision therapy performed one-on-one or in a group setting?
We work with the experts at Advanced Vision Therapy Center to provide vision therapy in a one-on-one environment. The vision therapists at Advanced Vision Therapy Center are occupational therapists who have completed additional, highly specialized vision therapy training. Our patients benefit from receiving therapy with a board certified, licensed occupational therapist who has chosen to expand their training and expertise into the field of vision rehabilitation. At Advanced Vision Therapy Center, vision therapy is conducted in-office in a one-on-one environment, allowing each session to be designed to meet the individual treatment goals and objectives of that particular patient.
Question to ask: Are all vision therapy sessions performed with a licensed therapist?
Some programs use computer programs and group settings for much of their vision therapy. At Artisan Optics and Advanced Vision Therapy Center, group classes with computer programs are NOT used for a number of reasons
- Research has shown that in-office vision therapy with a vision therapist to have the highest success rate while the computer-based program in the study had the lowest success rate of all treatments. Read the research here.
- Many of our patients have vision conditions that create headaches, eyestrain, and other visual symptoms at the computer; using a computer is the source of their complaints, not the solution.
- Many of our patients have diagnosed conditions such as ADD/ADHD, autism, or other conditions that make it unrealistic to ask them to sit at a computer and maintain focus during the activity.
- Many of our patients have been unable to find success in group settings, such as a classroom, and therefore benefit from a one-on-one environment.
Question to ask: Has the optometrist completed residency training in vision therapy?
It is within the scope of practice for any optometrist to administer a vision therapy program. However, not all optometrists have pursued a residency in vision therapy. A residency-trained optometrist has received the additional training in the area of vision therapy to provide accurate diagnose and has both the knowledge and experience to design an effective vision therapy program.