Vision Therapy

Vision is how the eyes and brain work together. At The Eye Studio we use a holistic approach to vision care. In addition to the usual eye exam, we also test the entire visual system (functional vision exam) to check that it has the developmental maturity, strength, and stamina to function optimally throughout the visual tasks performed on a daily basis.

Once we identify any vulnerable areas within the visual system that could interfere with reading and learning, we develop an effective vision therapy regimen made of individually tailored eye exercises made to improve visual functions and retrain the brain to interpret visual input more accurately.

Contact The Eye Studio today for a functional eye exam or visit us with your concerns regarding your child’s vision, and we’ll be sure to find the best way to treat his or her visual problems.

Dr. Tedra Kindopp using coloured wood shapes to perform a functional vision test with a young girl.

About Vision Therapy

In the video, Dr. Kindopp explains more about what vision therapy is all about and how it can benefit individuals with various vision problems. Dr. Kindopp also mentions that vision therapy is an evidence-based program that has been clinically proven to be effective for patients with tracking/reading problems, post-brain injury, strabismus, amblyopia, and other visual difficulties. Overall, the video provides valuable insights into the benefits of vision therapy and how it can help individuals with various vision issues improve their quality of life.

Tracking and Reading Problems

Tracking and reading problems can be a significant challenge for children, affecting their academic and athletic performance as well as their ability to concentrate. While many people believe that having 20/20 vision is enough for good visual performance, there are actually over 17 important visual skills required for efficient functioning. Children with reduced vision skills may struggle to achieve the results they seek and may have difficulty concentrating throughout the day. By improving these vision skills, vision therapy can help children achieve their full potential in all aspects of life.

Concussion and Acquired-Brain Injury

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation is a specialized approach to vision therapy that focuses on using a combination of visual exercises, specialized lenses, and targeted visual stimuli to help patients recover their visual processing abilities after brain injury or other neurological conditions affecting vision. This approach is highly customized to the individual needs of each patient, and can help improve visual skills such as eye tracking, depth perception, and visual processing speed. By retraining the brain to process visual input properly, neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help patients regain functional vision and improve their overall quality of life.

Strabismus

Vision therapy is a preferred treatment option for strabismus patients over surgery. Rather than considering it a “muscle” problem, therapy aims to understand why the eye turn exists and tries to solve it without any added risks or side effects. Vision therapy can also be beneficial before and after treatment for those patients who choose to undergo surgery.

Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that begin in the uterus and play a crucial role in the development of a fetus. These reflexes are vital for the development of muscle tone, head control, and sensory integration. They protect the fetus and aid in the birthing process, as well as contribute to later, more mature postural reflexes.

As a baby grows, primitive reflexes should integrate into the growing brain. Integration occurs as these movements are practiced and become more controlled and voluntary. Movement is critical to the integration of primitive reflexes, as it allows us to navigate through our world during early childhood.

The integration of primitive reflexes is essential for a child’s development, from gross motor skills such as holding their head up, rolling over, crawling, and walking, to fine motor skills such as handwriting and tying shoes. Even ocular motor skills, including eye movements, are affected by the timely integration of primitive reflexes.

Overall, primitive reflexes are crucial in the early stages of life and provide the foundation for a child’s motor and sensory development.

Amblyopia

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation can also be beneficial for individuals with amblyopia, commonly known as a “lazy eye.” This condition causes weak vision in a healthy eye, even with corrective lenses. While it’s often thought that lazy eye can only be treated in children, neuro-optometric rehabilitation can also improve vision in adults who have been told they are too old for treatment. At The Eye Studio, we offer personalized vision therapy programs to help individuals with amblyopia improve their visual function and quality of life.

What to expect

At The Eye Studio, in-office vision therapy is conducted on the upper floor, featuring a large community studio space for therapy sessions. Patients requiring a quieter environment can opt for smaller rooms with fewer distractions. The therapy studio is equipped with various tools and equipment to facilitate dynamic and passive learning of the visual system, strengthening the eye-brain connection. Each therapy session is typically scheduled weekly and customized to the patient’s needs, with Dr. Kindopp’s supervision.

Various tools and equipment in the Vision Therapy gym space at The Eye Studio, Red Deer, Alberta.