As the school year draws to a close, many families may be grappling with the fact that their child’s academic performance doesn’t match their potential. You might notice poor grades, struggles with homework, or even behavioral issues. These signs could indicate something deeper than a learning difficulty. According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a behavioral optometrist based in Versailles, Kentucky, vision therapy may be the solution to help these bright students thrive.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is much more than just physical exercises for the eyes. It’s a neurocognitive training program designed to improve the brain’s ability to process visual information. Think of it as physical therapy, but for your entire visual system, which includes the eyes, brain, and body. Many children may have perfect 20/20 eyesight yet still struggle academically due to an inefficient visual system.
The key issues that vision therapy targets are:
- Visual Efficiency Dysfunction – This involves problems with eye focus and coordination. Children who experience this may find reading difficult because they have trouble tracking across a line of text, leading to frustration and poor comprehension.
- Visual Processing Dysfunction – Even if a child can see clearly, they may struggle to understand or remember what they’ve read. This type of dysfunction impacts their ability to create mental images of the words they see, leading to academic challenges.
- Sensory Integration Dysfunction – The brain’s inability to integrate visual information with other senses can cause issues like clumsiness or sensitivity to stimulating environments.
How Vision Therapy Works
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Graebe FCOVD offers a 30-week program that addresses these visual inefficiencies. The therapy involves engaging, non-academic activities like games that use prisms, lenses, and balance exercises, even including fun tools like a trampoline. This program is designed to create new neural pathways in the brain, ensuring long-lasting results.
For example, a family from Danville, Kentucky, brought their child to Dr. Graebe’s clinic after noticing academic struggles despite good vision. Through personalized vision therapy sessions, the child significantly improved in reading comprehension and focus. This family, like many others, expressed their gratitude through testimonials displayed in Dr. Graebe’s office.
Why Vision Therapy Matters
Reading is foundational for success in today’s world. Whether it’s learning new information or solving problems, strong reading skills are crucial. As Dr. Graebe explains, “If you become a good reader, you can learn anything.” Vision therapy isn’t just about improving grades; it’s about unlocking a child’s full potential, enabling them to thrive in school and beyond.
Schedule Your Vision Therapy Consultation
If your child is struggling in school despite having perfect eyesight, vision therapy could be the key to unlocking their academic potential. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD is ready to help families from across Central and Southern Kentucky. Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule a consultation and start the journey towards better vision and academic success.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.