When most people think of vision, they often associate it solely with eyesight. However, there’s much more to how we see than just having 20/20 vision. The connection between the eyes, brain, and body is critical, especially for children who may struggle with learning, focus, or even day-to-day activities despite having “perfect” eyesight. At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe, a specialist in pediatric eye care and neuro-optometric rehabilitation, offers a comprehensive approach called Vision Therapy. This therapy focuses on improving the entire visual system, which goes far beyond just treating vision issues.
Could Your Child Benefit from Vision Therapy?
Consider this scenario: your child has trouble focusing in school, complains of headaches, or avoids reading. Yet, multiple visits to the optometrist show no problems with their eyesight. You might have tried glasses or even ADHD medication, but nothing seems to help. Sound familiar?
These symptoms could indicate a deeper visual issue that goes unnoticed in traditional eye exams. Vision Therapy, as practiced by Dr. Graebe, addresses not only the eyes but also how the brain processes what we see. This therapy could be the key to unlocking your child’s full potential in school and daily life.
Understanding Vision Therapy
Vision Therapy is like physical therapy, but for your eyes, brain, and body. It is designed to improve visual efficiency and processing, helping patients better interpret and respond to the information their eyes take in. For children who struggle in school due to visual processing issues, Vision Therapy can significantly enhance their academic performance and overall confidence.
Dr. Rick Graebe’s approach involves a series of sequenced activities that engage the eyes, brain, and body in fun and interactive ways. These activities include puzzles, games, and exercises that develop essential visual skills. Importantly, the program is customized to each patient’s needs, ensuring that children are not only improving their vision but also enjoying the process.
How Vision Therapy Works
If an initial exam shows that your child has issues with visual efficiency or processing, Dr. Graebe develops a tailored program that incorporates activities designed to improve those specific areas. The exercises range from simple tasks like pencil and paper games to more dynamic activities involving balls and body movement.
This holistic approach helps the brain and body learn to work better with the eyes, improving coordination, concentration, and reading skills. The therapy is structured to be both challenging and enjoyable, so kids are motivated to participate and progress quickly.
Dr. Graebe explains, “Most eye doctors deal with just eyesight, but Vision Therapy deals with the eyes, brain, and body, and how they work together.”
Success Stories
The walls of Dr. Graebe’s office are lined with stories of children whose lives have been transformed by Vision Therapy. One parent from Lexington shared how their daughter, after just a few months of therapy, improved her reading level by three grades. Another family from Danville saw their son’s headaches disappear and his focus in school skyrocket after completing the program.
These stories are not unique. Across Central and Southern Kentucky, children from towns like Nicholasville, Lawrenceburg, and Berea have benefited from this cutting-edge therapy, with many parents reporting dramatic improvements in school performance and daily activities.
Why Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy doesn’t just help children see better—it helps them understand better. By improving how the eyes and brain communicate, this therapy can dramatically enhance a child’s ability to read, learn, and focus. It addresses the root causes of visual issues that often go undiagnosed, giving families hope when traditional treatments fall short.
If your child is struggling with school or showing signs of visual difficulty, Vision Therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Rick Graebe
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or learning difficulties, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rick Graebe, a specialist in pediatric vision care, at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute. With locations in Versailles serving the greater Lexington area and Somerset, we provide comprehensive vision assessments and tailor individualized treatment plans that work.
Call us at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment today.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.