Vision therapy is a specialized program that helps correct visual, developmental, and perceptual problems that are not helped through glasses or contacts. Think of vision therapy as physical therapy for the eyes and brain. If you or someone you know has vision problems, behavioral problems, or learning problems, vision therapy might help.
How Long Does It Take?
Noticeable benefits and results of vision therapy depend on the type of vision problem being treated, as well as the motivation of the patient to practice the activities and procedures prescribed by the optometrist. The exact activities and procedures for any given patient are determined after testing and consultation with the optometrist.
What Is the Difference Between Portland Vision Therapy’s Exam and a Regular Eye Exam?
Portland Vision Therapy’s optometrist will be testing for all of the visual skills required in order for a child/adult to function properly in a learning/work environment. In addition, patients are tested for visual acuity and the general health of the eyes. Our doctors have earned a post-doctoral fellowship and are specialized in developmental vision problems.
Testing checks the following areas:
Primitive motor reflexes (PMR)
Integration of motor planning for the visual system
Spatial Projection
Understanding where self and objects are in space
Accommodation
Localization of far/near objects
Strabismus
The turn of one or both eyes
Sustained Focusing Ability
Ability to look at near without fatigue and blur
Binocularity – ability to efficiently use both eyes together
Tracking
Ability to follow an object smoothly and accurately
Fixations
Ability to quickly and accurately locate objects
Stereopsis
Ability to perceive depth
Peripheral Vision
Ability to perceive the presence outside the direct line of vision
Amblyopia
Reduced vision in one or both eyes (“lazy eye”)
Syntonics
Development of visual system through light and color