Dyslexia is often a challenging diagnosis for both children and their families, especially when it affects a child’s ability to thrive academically. In Ben Burgess’ case, a bright and energetic 14-year-old from Georgetown, Kentucky, his dyslexia diagnosis made reading an uphill battle. However, thanks to Vision Therapy, Ben’s story took a remarkable turn.
Early Struggles: Decoding but Not Comprehending
Ben had always been a healthy, active boy with a love for outdoor activities, but when it came to reading, it was a different story. Despite being homeschooled by his mother, Sarah, and their best efforts, reading was exhausting for him. Sarah recalls, “By the time Ben had decoded a sentence, he had no energy left for comprehension. He was using all his brain power just to figure out the words.” Ben’s struggles didn’t end with reading. He also faced impulsivity, attention issues, math difficulties, and poor handwriting—symptoms often associated with dyslexia.
After exploring multiple educational methods to support Ben, Sarah and her husband, Tom, felt stuck. It wasn’t until a friend suggested Vision Therapy with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a pediatric eye specialist in Versailles, that they found a new path to help Ben.
The Decision to Pursue Vision Therapy
The family decided to visit Dr. Graebe for an evaluation, and Sarah was immediately impressed by how thorough the exam was. “Dr. Graebe is a wealth of information,” she said, “and his staff explained everything clearly.” However, with four children to homeschool and financial concerns, the family decided to delay treatment, hoping to manage Ben’s struggles through other means.
Unfortunately, things only got worse. Ben’s frustrations with reading grew, and his self-confidence diminished. “We realized that if Vision Therapy could help, it would change Ben’s life in so many ways. We had to try,” Sarah explained.
Commitment and Hard Work Pay Off
Ben’s Vision Therapy required weekly appointments over 30 weeks, along with exercises to complete at home. At first, it seemed like a significant commitment, but Ben soon embraced the challenge. Perhaps tired of struggling, he took ownership of his therapy. “He didn’t even need to be reminded to do his exercises,” Sarah proudly shared.
The results were astounding. Within months, Ben’s reading and comprehension skills improved dramatically, his handwriting became clearer, and his math difficulties started to ease. His attention and impulsivity issues diminished as well. “It was like watching a transformation,” Sarah said.
One of the most significant changes? Ben, who used to dread writing, began voluntarily writing a page a day. Sarah and Tom couldn’t believe the progress. “If you asked me now, ‘Is Ben dyslexic?’ I don’t know if I’d say yes anymore,” Sarah admitted with joy.
Why Vision Therapy Works
Vision Therapy, as practiced by Dr. Graebe, doesn’t just address eyesight; it retrains the brain to process visual information more effectively. For kids like Ben, this makes reading and learning a far less daunting task. By helping the eyes, brain, and body work together, Vision Therapy not only improves reading skills but also enhances overall academic performance and self-confidence.
Is Vision Therapy Right for Your Child?
Ben’s story is just one of many. Families throughout Central and Southern Kentucky, from cities like Lexington, Frankfort, and Danville, have turned to Dr. Graebe for help with developmental vision issues. Whether your child struggles with dyslexia, ADHD-like symptoms, or even poor sports performance, Vision Therapy could be the key to unlocking their full potential.
If your child is struggling with reading, attention, or any other learning-related issues, don’t wait. Vision Therapy could change their life, just as it did for Ben. To schedule an evaluation at our Versailles or Somerset locations, call us at 859-879-0089 today. Our expert team 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.