If there’s one group that Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD admires more than the hard-working children he treats with Vision Therapy, it’s the parents who advocate for those kids. As a developmental optometrist based in Versailles, Kentucky, Dr. Graebe frequently encounters families desperate for answers after being told by other professionals that there is no hope for their children’s vision challenges.
One such case involved a 6-year-old boy whose family had been informed that nothing could be done about his amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. The boy had been told he would never be able to play baseball—devastating news for a child with dreams of being on the field. But at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Graebe knew that Vision Therapy could offer this young boy new hope.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy (V.T.) is a non-surgical treatment that acts as a kind of physical therapy for the eyes, brain, and body. It helps address a variety of visual problems, including amblyopia, crossed eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency, and some reading and learning disabilities. Unlike traditional eye care, which often focuses on correcting sight with glasses or surgery, Vision Therapy works to retrain the brain and improve how it processes and coordinates visual information.
In Dr. Graebe’s view, the technical description of Vision Therapy doesn’t do it justice. For him, the practice is all about helping children and adults alike reach their full potential—whether that means excelling in school, improving sports performance, or simply being more productive at work. Vision skills are vital for success in today’s visually demanding world, and V.T. offers a way to make those skills more efficient.
How Vision Therapy Makes a Difference
Vision Therapy works by engaging the patient in sequenced, hands-on activities that are not only beneficial but also fun. These activities help integrate the visual system with other senses, fostering improvement in both everyday life and specialized tasks like reading, playing sports, or focusing on a computer screen.
As Dr. Graebe says, “Vision Therapy is simple, but it’s not easy.” It requires commitment and effort from both the patient and their family. However, the results are life-changing for those who stick with the program. Whether the goal is making the first team in sports, reading more fluently, or succeeding in the classroom, the potential benefits are vast.
One of Dr. Graebe’s greatest sources of pride is seeing his young patients grow and succeed thanks to Vision Therapy. But equally, he is in awe of the parents who make it all possible.
The Role of Parents in Vision Therapy
The parents of children undergoing Vision Therapy are nothing short of heroic in Dr. Graebe’s eyes. They prioritize their children’s well-being, often investing significant time, energy, and resources to ensure their kids have access to the care they need. Vision Therapy is typically covered by most insurance plans, but for families who pay out-of-pocket, Dr. Graebe likens the cost to something many parents readily spend on—a family vacation to Disney World or braces for their child’s teeth.
He frequently expresses his gratitude to these parents: “I admire those parents who put their children’s well-being front and center.” Their advocacy and dedication make all the difference in their children’s future.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Near Lexington Today
If you believe your child could benefit from Vision Therapy, contact Neuro-Visual Performance Institute today. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, we are one of the only pediatric specialty practices serving Central and Southern Kentucky. Call us at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment and learn how Vision Therapy can help your child reach their full potential.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD as compiled and written by John Lynch.