When parents hear the term “brain retraining,” it may sound intimidating—like something out of a science fiction movie. However, this approach may hold the key to understanding why your child didn’t perform as well in school as you had hoped.
Brain retraining is not brainwashing or anything remotely sinister. Instead, it’s part of a rapidly growing field aimed at understanding how we learn and how brain and body functions influence academic performance.
The Role of Vision in Learning
You might be wondering how vision, and specifically a pediatric eye doctor, fits into the picture of brain retraining. According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a behavioral and neuro-rehabilitation optometrist based in Versailles, KY, vision plays an integral role in the learning process.
Consider these compelling facts:
- 85% of what we learn in school is processed or presented visually.
- 80% of the brain receives information from the visual system.
- 70% of the brain’s neuropathways involve vision.
- 33% of the brain is solely devoted to vision.
- The visual system uses more brain space than all other senses combined.
This means that when the visual system is working efficiently, learning becomes easier. However, when vision is compromised, it can be a significant obstacle in a child’s ability to learn and thrive in school.
Vision Therapy: A Solution to Improve Learning
For children whose visual systems aren’t functioning optimally, the solution could be Vision Therapy. Vision Therapy is a type of neurocognitive training designed to improve the connection between the eyes, brain, and body. It works by creating new, permanent neural pathways, helping the brain process visual information more effectively.
Dr. Graebe explains that many bright, articulate children struggle with reading because their eyes can’t efficiently track across a page. Common symptoms include skipping lines, losing their place, or developing headaches after reading for a short time. These symptoms can make schoolwork an uphill battle, even for children who are otherwise capable.
With Vision Therapy, students can improve their reading comprehension, speed, and overall ability to process visual information. This form of therapy essentially retrains the brain to better integrate visual information, resulting in a lasting improvement in academic performance.
A Local Success Story
One student, a 10-year-old from Danville, KY, struggled in school despite being a smart, engaged child. After undergoing Vision Therapy with Dr. Graebe, the student’s reading abilities improved dramatically. He went from dreading reading assignments to finishing them quickly and with full comprehension. His teachers and parents noticed the change almost immediately, and his confidence soared.
This story is just one of many success stories in Dr. Graebe’s office, where patients come from various parts of Central and Southern Kentucky for treatment. Families visit from cities such as Lexington, Frankfort, and Berea, seeking out the expertise of one of the only pediatric specialty practices in the region.
Schedule Your Child’s Vision Evaluation Today
If your child is struggling in school and you suspect vision might be the issue, consider scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, we are proud to be one of the few pediatric eye care practices in Kentucky that offer Vision Therapy.
Call us at 859-879-3665 to schedule your child’s appointment today and help them reach their full academic potential.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.