Optometric Vision Therapy

Similar to speech therapy and physical therapy, Optometric Vision Therapy is therapy for the eyes. It is an evidence-based program to effectively improve visual performance. We work with children and adults who have vision problems that interfere with their ability to read, learn, comprehend and even pay attention. This therapy is designed to treat vision problems that cannot be treated solely by vision correction, such as glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

Optometric Vision Therapy is a series of supervised activities that are designed to give the patient immediate feedback when they are using their eyes correctly. The doctor or vision therapist work one-on-one with the patient to teach them how to use their eyes together correctly. The program involves a combination of in-office therapy (typically 1 hour per week) as well as activities that the patient does at home for 10-20 minutes per day (with a parent’s help, in the case of a child).

FAQs:

1. What type of vision problems can be treated with Optometric Vision Therapy?

• Strabismus (eye turn): overall cosmetic improvement, enhanced depth perception, improved self-confidence, improved coordination
• Amblyopia (lazy eye): improved coordination and depth perception
• Vision-Related Learning Disorders: improved reading speed, improved reading comprehension, decreased time spent on homework, improved handwriting, easier copying off the board
• Sports Vision: better eye-hand coordination, enhanced peripheral awareness, quicker reaction time, improved tracking skills
• Traumatic Brain Injury symptoms: better balance and stability, less brain fog, improved focusing, decreased double vision and strain

2. Is Optometric Vision Therapy covered by insurance?

Optometric Vision Therapy is sometimes partially covered by medical insurance depending on the plan. We do verify your benefits and bill to your medical insurance if some coverage is available. Vision Plans do not cover optometric vision therapy. Prior to entering into an optometric vision therapy plan, we will go over details regarding your insurance coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses that you would be responsible for.

Prior to beginning Optometric Vision Therapy, additional testing must be done in the form of a BVD Evaluation and Vision Perception testing. See the section on BVD Evaluation for more information.

​​​​​​​3. How do I schedule an evaluation to determine if I would benefit from Optometric Vision Therapy?

You will need to have a comprehensive eye exam within the past 6-12 months. If you have had an exam elsewhere, we will request records from that exam for Dr. Shaw to review prior to scheduling the evaluation. If you have not had a comprehensive eye exam recently, then we will first schedule you for a signature eye exam to rule out any eye health issues and significant lens changes.

Then, our vision therapist will have an in-depth phone conversation regarding your visual concerns and the symptoms and behaviors you have been experiencing in order to gain a better understanding of you as an individual and to discuss how we may be able to help. We will also send you a detailed questionnaire for you to complete, as well as an explanation of our complete Visual Information Processing (VIP) evaluation. Once we receive your questionnaire back, we will get you scheduled with Dr. Shaw to fully assess all of your visual skills. This evaluation often requires more than one visit, as it is extremely thorough. Once the full evaluation is complete, Dr. Shaw will determine what the best treatment plan would be for you (or your child) and would then discuss it at the next visit. For child assessments, a detailed report will be given and a parent conference (with all legal guardians) is scheduled to discuss the results, recommendations and next steps.
​​​​​​​