Many people use the terms “eyesight” and “vision” interchangeably, but for those in the know, like Dr. Rick Graebe, a behavioral optometrist at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles, Kentucky, these two terms couldn’t be more different. Understanding this distinction can be crucial for your child’s academic and developmental success.
What Is Eyesight?
Simply put, eyesight is the ability to see clearly. If you’ve ever read an eye chart during an eye exam, that’s what most people think of as “vision.” Eye doctors check for this by testing your ability to read letters at different sizes and distances, and they often prescribe lenses to correct any deficiencies. While this is important, eyesight is just one part of a much larger picture.
What Is Vision?
Vision goes beyond merely seeing clearly. According to Dr. Rick Graebe, vision is about how we derive meaning from what our eyes see and how our brain directs us to act based on that information. It’s the connection between our eyes, brain, and body. A child can have 20/20 eyesight but still struggle with reading or other school activities because their visual system isn’t working as it should.
Why This Matters for Your Child
Over the past 30 years, Dr. Graebe has helped countless children with excellent eyesight but poor vision. These children might see the world clearly but struggle when it comes to close-up work like reading, writing, or focusing on school tasks.
For example, if your child squirms or struggles to sit still, it might not be a behavioral issue; instead, they could be seeking feedback to figure out where their body is in space. As Dr. Graebe explains, “A child might shift or wiggle because they are trying to figure out if they can see more comfortably in a different position.”
This connection between movement, the body, and vision is why Dr. Graebe’s exam room looks more like a physical therapy space. Children often work on balance activities while engaging their eyes, helping them integrate their senses.
How Vision Therapy Helps
Vision therapy is like physical therapy for the eyes, helping kids develop the skills they need to read, write, and process visual information. Dr. Graebe uses tools like polarized lenses, prisms, and even virtual reality to help the eyes work as a team. This therapy follows a structured process:
- Monocular Training: Focusing on improving each eye individually.
- Biocular Training: Ensuring that both eyes send clear data to the brain.
- Binocular Training: Getting both eyes to work together for smooth, coordinated movement and focus.
Once these processes become automatic, reading and other visual tasks become easier. Otherwise, a child may expend too much mental energy just trying to see and interpret what’s on the page—energy that should be used to comprehend and learn.
The Big Picture: Body, Eyes, and Brain
The final step in this approach is integrating the body, eyes, and brain. Once everything is working together, your child can not only see clearly but also process and use the information effectively. This is where the magic happens—reading becomes as seamless as watching a movie. Dr. Graebe emphasizes that “there’s so much more to vision than just seeing.”
Does Your Child Need Vision Therapy?
If your child struggles in school despite having perfect eyesight, it could be a vision issue. The symptoms might be subtle, but they can have a significant impact on your child’s ability to reach their full potential. If you’re in Central or Southern Kentucky, we encourage you to consider a comprehensive vision evaluation.
To schedule an appointment for your child’s eye exam or vision therapy at our Versailles location, serving the greater Lexington area, or our Somerset office, call us at 859-879-0089. Let us help your child reach their full potential.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.