When it comes to healthcare, the focus often falls on structure. As Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD of the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute explains, three-quarters of a doctor’s training is centered on understanding the body’s structures, like the anatomy of the heart or the inner workings of the eyes. But Dr. Graebe believes the real focus should be on function: how our bodies operate in the real world. This perspective is at the heart of his practice in Versailles, Kentucky, which serves the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, Kentucky. Dr. Graebe’s approach emphasizes the importance of the visual system’s functionality, which is key to fully experiencing the world around us.
Structure vs. Function in Healthcare
Doctors are often trained to prioritize structure over function. They learn to understand how organs like the heart or the eyes are built and what they look like, but not necessarily how they work together with the rest of the body to enable us to engage with our environment. However, Dr. Graebe points out that simply having good vision isn’t enough. To function well in today’s world, especially with tasks that require focused, close-up work like reading or computer use, the entire visual system must work seamlessly together.
For example, Dr. Graebe recalls seeing a two-year-old boy from the Lexington area whose family brought him in for an eye exam. The child had a family history of lazy eye, so they wanted to be proactive. Dr. Graebe discovered that the child had central cataracts in both eyes—an issue that any eye doctor would have identified because it is a clear structural problem. But Dr. Graebe’s comprehensive approach goes beyond identifying structural issues. He looks at the entire visual system to ensure that it functions well for daily tasks.
Seeing vs. Understanding: The Importance of a Functional Visual System
The visual system is more than just a set of eyes. It’s a complex network that requires good vision to start but then goes further, processing what we see and integrating that information with other senses. Dr. Graebe uses the analogy of catching a tennis ball to explain this process. When we see the ball, our brain must quickly interpret it, determine its location, and work with our other senses to guide our hand to catch it. If there’s a miscommunication anywhere along this path, we miss the ball.
This multi-step process is equally critical when it comes to reading or other close-up work. For example, if the eyes fail to track smoothly or the brain struggles to process information, reading becomes more challenging. Traditional eye exams often miss these functional issues, which is why Dr. Graebe’s exams go further to evaluate the full visual system. He also offers Vision Therapy, a personalized treatment that combines exercises for the eyes, brain, and body to enhance functional performance.
Vision Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Eye Health
Vision Therapy is essentially physical therapy for the eyes and brain. Dr. Graebe’s approach starts with a thorough evaluation of the entire visual system. He identifies any weak points that may hinder the ability to perform essential tasks, like reading or catching a ball. For instance, Dr. Graebe worked with a young patient from Danville who struggled with reading comprehension. Through a customized Vision Therapy program, the child’s eye tracking and visual processing skills improved, enabling him to excel in school and sports.
Dr. Graebe’s commitment to Vision Therapy is driven by a desire to provide his patients with more than just good eyesight. He is passionate about helping them build a functional visual system that empowers them to succeed in daily life. His expertise in functional and neuro-behavioral optometry makes him a unique resource for families in Central and Southern Kentucky, particularly those in Lexington, Versailles, and Somerset, where his clinics are located.
Schedule a Functional Eye Exam in Central Kentucky
If you or your child experience difficulty with tasks that require focus, like reading or sports, it may be time for a functional eye exam. At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD offers comprehensive assessments and Vision Therapy programs tailored to improve the visual system’s performance. Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule your exam at one of our two convenient locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, or in Somerset, serving Southern Kentucky. Empower your visual system to function at its best and see the difference that goes beyond structure.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.