Vision therapy has proven to be life-changing for many students at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, led by Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a specialist in pediatric eye care and behavioral optometry based in Versailles, Kentucky. One particularly inspiring story is that of 13-year-old Colton Liver from Carlisle, Kentucky, who overcame significant visual challenges through vision therapy, enhancing both his academic and athletic performance.
Colton’s Struggle with Vision Issues
Before beginning treatment, Colton suffered from frequent headaches, dizziness, and difficulty seeing clearly. Reading was particularly challenging—he avoided it in school and often had to cover one eye just to focus on the page. Despite these issues, Colton was an excellent student, maintaining straight A’s, but at the cost of having to put in extra effort, frequently rereading assignments to ensure accuracy.
Concerned about her son’s struggles, Colton’s mother, Camille Sewell, sought advice from their family eye doctor. After an examination revealed that Colton was seeing double, the doctor recommended visiting Dr. Rick Graebe for further assessment. Dr. Graebe diagnosed Colton with a condition where his brain was blocking the signal from one of his eyes. After carefully researching the potential benefits of vision therapy, Camille committed to a 30-week program to address her son’s vision problems.
Commitment to Vision Therapy
Colton’s journey to better vision required dedication. Each week, the family made a 90-minute trip from Carlisle to the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles. In addition to maintaining his schoolwork and playing sports, Colton completed vision therapy exercises at home five days a week. His commitment and perseverance paid off.
By the end of his 30-week program, Colton had achieved remarkable improvements. His headaches disappeared, his vision cleared, and he reignited his passion for reading—something he had previously avoided. Since Christmas, Colton has read 10 books and discovered a new favorite author, James Patterson.
Vision Therapy’s Impact on Sports Performance
The benefits of vision therapy extended beyond the classroom. Colton, a member of the Nicholas County Middle School baseball team, had long struggled to track the ball, particularly as an outfielder. Although he had learned to compensate as a batter, his challenges in the outfield persisted. However, after completing vision therapy, Colton’s ability to see and track the ball improved significantly, boosting his overall performance.
This improvement was so dramatic that Colton ended the season leading his team in batting average, a remarkable achievement that speaks to the power of vision therapy in enhancing not only academic but also athletic success.
Life-Changing Results
With the help of Dr. Graebe and Colton’s therapist, Jessica Niedwick, school and sports are no longer a struggle for Colton. In fact, Colton told his mother that Niedwick “changed my life.” His mother, Camille, added, “This turned things around for him, and we would highly recommend this for anybody.”
Colton’s story is just one example of how vision therapy can help children overcome unseen obstacles and reach their full potential in school, sports, and beyond.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Near Lexington Today
If your child is experiencing vision problems that affect their performance in school or sports, vision therapy could provide the solution. At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD and his team specialize in personalized, comprehensive care to treat and improve developmental vision issues.
With two locations in Versailles and Somerset, we serve patients from Central and Southern Kentucky, including the greater Lexington area. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 859-879-0089. Let us help your child see the world—and their future—more clearly.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.