What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for many common visual problems.  Lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency, tracking problems and some reading and learning disabilities are some of the issues that can be resolved through vision therapy.  It is easy to think of as “physical therapy” for the eyes.

Vision therapy is not a direct treatment for learning disabilities.  In the case of learning disabilities, vision therapy is specifically directed toward resolving visual problems which interfere with reading, learning and educational instruction.

What is involved in a Vision Therapy program?

• an active program of vision "exercises" or procedures

• performed under doctor supervision

• individualized to fit the visual needs of each patient

• conducted in-office, once or twice weekly sessions of 45 minutes

• supplemented with procedures done at home (“homework”)

• prescribed to

  • help patients develop or improve functional visual skills and abilities

  • improve visual comfort, ease, and efficiency

  • change how a patient processes or interprets visual information

Vision Therapy Is Not Just Eye Exercises

Vision Therapy is not to be confused with any self-directed self-help program of eye exercises which is or has been marketed to the public. In-office Vision Therapy at Alpine Vision is administered by trained vision therapists and various types of treatment devices are used, such as:

• corrective lenses

• therapeutic lenses

• prism lenses

• optical filters

• eye patches or occluders

• electronic targets with timing mechanisms

• computer software

• vestibular (balance) equipment

• visual-motor-sensory integration training devices

The first step in any Vision Therapy program is a comprehensive vision examination. Following a thorough evaluation, the Doctors at Alpine Vision can advise the candidate as to whether Vision Therapy would be appropriate treatment.