When your child displays learning or behavioral problems in school, it’s tempting to suspect that an attention deficit disorder may be at the root of the problem. However, many of the symptoms of disorders like ADHD may actually stem from visual processing weaknesses.

Eyesight isn’t all about 20/20 vision. It involves a system that connects the eyes and the brain. The quality of communication between these organs can operate on different levels of efficiency. Vision training can improve this communication, relieving many of the developmental frustrations your child may experience because of weaknesses in the neuro-visual system.

Choosing vision training with Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic for your child can correct underdevelopments of the visual system, relieving a crucial impediment to the learning process.

What is vision training?

Conventional eye exams focus on the mechanics of vision, how each eye focuses and functions. These tests are adequate for confirming visual acuity and, when necessary, prescribing corrective lenses. But there are no tests given to check the neuro-visual system.

Eyesight and learning are closely related, so sharp mechanical vision is important, of course, but eyesight doesn’t end there. The functional abilities necessary for natural learning include plenty of other system relationships and interactions. These other factors are often as important as the ability to focus. Some of these factors include:

• Accommodation reflex: Switching between near and far vision, such as notebook to blackboard
• Binocular vision: The ability to blend images from both eyes into three-dimensional sight
• Eye movement: Smooth and accurate tracking when reading
• Eye teaming: Synchronized performance of both eyes working together
• Visual-motor integration: Eye-hand coordination as displayed by handwriting and copying skills, as well as in sports and other physical activities
• Visual perception: Identifying and comprehending the visual field and connecting with visual memory

How vision training works

Vision training starts with an exam that screens for problems with visual acuity factors, like those listed above. This exam serves as a basis for a therapy plan to guide training efforts. Each plan focuses on your child and their specific visual acuity issues.

Depending on the scope of the vision training plan, your child will proceed through a series of activities that give their eyes exercises to promote enhanced neuro-visual system performance. These exercises could involve tasks like letter-finding puzzles, looking through prisms, covering one eye for a series of tasks, or reading through tinted materials.

Home exercises are often part of vision therapy, performed under the parent’s supervision to help build on the progress achieved during vision training sessions at Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic. Sessions depend on the child and the visual difficulties they experience. Vision training sessions typically last for one hour, once or twice weekly, with a recommended program length of between three months to one year.

Find out more about vision training at Abbey Neuropsychology Clinic. You can schedule your initial consultation by calling the office at 650-215-6840.