Reading is a foundational skill that impacts nearly every aspect of a child’s education. However, while we often focus on vision as simply being able to see clearly, reading actually requires a complex integration of the eyes, brain, and body. For some children, even with 20/20 vision, reading can still be an ongoing struggle.
Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a behavioral optometrist based in Versailles, KY, has dedicated over 30 years to helping children develop the skills they need to excel in school and beyond. His approach, known as Vision Therapy, goes beyond simply correcting eyesight. Instead, it focuses on improving the way the eyes and brain work together, transforming the way children learn and experience the world.
Why Clear Vision Isn’t Enough
Many parents assume that their child’s reading challenges may be due to a need for glasses. However, as Dr. Graebe points out, glasses only correct the way the eye focuses light. Reading requires much more than this; it demands a fully functional visual system.
The visual system includes how well the eyes track words on a page, the ability to differentiate similar letters (like “b” and “d”), and the capability to visualize words in the mind. These skills enable an accomplished reader to turn words into mental images, making reading a more immersive experience. Unfortunately, when these skills aren’t well-developed, students can struggle with reading comprehension, and school performance suffers as a result.
Symptoms of visual skill deficiencies are often noticeable. They include avoiding schoolwork, frequent headaches, rubbing of the eyes, and even a lack of coordination. “Most parents know their child well,” says Dr. Graebe. “If your bright child is not reaching his potential, that’s a warning sign.”
Vision Therapy: Training the Eyes, Brain, and Body
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Graebe offers a unique approach to vision improvement through Vision Therapy. This is a specialized form of therapy designed to help children develop and enhance neuro-sensory skills. An exam at his office goes well beyond the standard eye chart; it assesses how well the eyes work together to follow, focus, and point inward on words and objects.
Once Dr. Graebe identifies areas for improvement, a customized Vision Therapy plan is created. This program consists of engaging activities that are more like games than traditional therapy. Children may wear colored glasses and perform tasks such as walking along a line, catching bean bags, or counting backward. These exercises are designed to improve how the eyes, brain, and body function together, resulting in smoother eye tracking, better focus, and more accurate reading skills.
In one instance, a young student from Lexington was brought in by her parents. She was struggling in school and frequently reported headaches. Following a thorough assessment, Dr. Graebe created a therapy program tailored to her needs. Over a few months, her reading improved dramatically, her headaches vanished, and her confidence soared.
Long-Lasting Benefits and a Path to Success
The goal of Vision Therapy is not just to improve academic performance but to foster lifelong skills. By building new neural pathways, children learn skills that last a lifetime. “We’re not just teaching kids to read,” says Dr. Graebe. “We’re giving them tools that help them reach their full potential in every aspect of life.”
Parents and teachers in the greater Lexington and Southern Kentucky areas have seen the difference Vision Therapy can make. At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, with locations in Versailles and Somerset, Dr. Graebe and his team are dedicated to helping children unlock their full potential.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam in Central Kentucky
If your child is struggling with reading or school, Vision Therapy may be the key to helping them overcome these challenges. Call Neuro-Visual Performance Institute at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD. With two convenient locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, Dr. Graebe is here to help your child succeed.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.