For many children, academic challenges, especially in reading, are often misdiagnosed as learning disabilities or a lack of effort. However, the root cause often traced back to visual function issues, not cognitive abilities.
This was exactly the case with E.L., a 10-year-old student who visited our vision therapy institute in Fort Worth, Texas, due to severe reading and learning difficulties. Read on to learn more about how Southwest Family Eye Health Center was able to transform her life.
The Challenge: Navigating Reading Difficulties & Double Vision
E.L. struggled with reading, often experiencing double vision, which hampered her ability to complete her schoolwork. Her parents observed that she would hold books close to her face and frequently close one eye to see better. These behaviors are typical indicators of underlying visual problems that are often overlooked and can drastically affect learning and everyday activities.
What Is Vision Therapy?
A child can have perfect 20/20 vision and still experience visual problems that affect their ability to learn and function effectively. This is because having 20/20 vision means seeing clearly at a distance of 20 feet. Still, it does not account for all visual perceptual skills necessary for compelling reading, learning, and everyday functioning.
Vision therapy is a specialized type aimed at improving these visual skills, involving a series of customized exercises and advanced equipment designed to strengthen the brain's ability to control eye alignment, eye tracking, eye focusing, and visual processing.
Who Benefits from Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (crossed or turned eyes)
- Eye movement disorders
- Focusing disorders
- Visual perceptual disorders
- Difficulties related to learning disabilities (children with learning problems are more likely to have visual impairments)
Initial Evaluation & Diagnosis at Our Vision Therapy Institute
During her first visit to our eye clinic, E.L. underwent a thorough developmental eye exam conducted by Dr. Loy. The functional evaluation included various tests, such as the RightEye Sensorimotor System assessment, which is essential for assessing how effectively the eyes communicate with the brain to control eye movements. The test results confirmed that E.L. faced complex visual processing challenges.
Personalized Vision Therapy Program in Fort Worth
To specifically address E.L.'s needs, we crafted a personalized vision therapy program that included:
- Senaptec Sensory Station: This enhanced E.L.'s sensory skills, which are crucial for precise eye movements and coordination.
- VTS4 Program/Vectograms: Employed to improve her binocular vision and depth perception, allowing her eyes to work together more effectively.
- Monocular and Binocular Accommodation Exercises: Enhances her ability to adjust and maintain focus, making reading much easier.
- Primitive Reflex Integration: Critical for developing vision, impacting everything from focusing to eye tracking.
Insurance & Cost Considerations
- Does Insurance cover Vision Therapy? Coverage varies by plan and provider. It may be covered if deemed medically necessary, but it is recommended that you check specific policy details.
- How Much Does Vision Therapy Cost? Costs depend on the issue's severity, treatment length, and specific therapies involved. We provide detailed cost breakdowns during initial consultations and offer various payment plans.
Remarkable Outcomes from Vision Therapy
After completing 12 sessions of targeted vision therapy, E.L.'s visual capabilities improved extraordinarily. She gained renewed confidence in her visual skills, found a newfound joy in reading, and even said she felt she had "the best eyes in class." She also noted reduced fatigue while reading, improved tracking movements when playing the piano, and better eye-hand coordination and balance.
Her success story compellingly endorses how vision therapy can drastically enhance a child's academic performance and self-esteem.
Schedule A Functional Vision Exam in Fort Worth
If you believe your child may benefit from vision therapy or if you're seeking solutions for issues like cross-eye conditions or lazy eye correction, the Fort Worth clinic is ready to assist. Contact us at Southwest Family Eye Health Center today.
