When most people think of vision, they think of having 20/20 eyesight. But vision is so much more than that. It’s a complex process that involves gathering, processing, and integrating visual information. Many eye exams only test the gathering aspect of vision, often overlooking how the eyes, brain, and body work together to process and act on what is seen.
The Importance of Vision in Learning and Daily Life
Vision plays a crucial role in learning, with 75% to 90% of classroom learning happening through the visual system. However, if your child is struggling in school, it may not be a simple issue of poor eyesight. In fact, many learning challenges stem from how well a child’s brain processes visual information rather than just how clearly they see.
For over 25 years, Dr. Rick Graebe, FCOVD, has been a leader in diagnosing and treating vision-related learning issues through Vision Therapy. At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, located in Versailles and Somerset, Kentucky, Dr. Graebe and his team specialize in treating vision problems that are often misdiagnosed as learning disabilities, such as ADHD or ADD.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy is a form of physical therapy designed for the eyes and brain. It helps improve how the eyes work together, process visual information, and react to the world around them. For children who have trouble with eye alignment, focusing, or tracking movements, Vision Therapy can make a significant difference.
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, every patient undergoes a thorough 90-minute exam to assess both visual efficiency (how well the eyes and muscles function) and visual processing (how well the brain interprets visual information). If issues are found, children are enrolled in a 30-week Vision Therapy program, which uses fun, interactive activities like puzzle games and ball exercises to improve their visual skills.
How Vision Therapy Can Help
Dr. Graebe explains that Vision Therapy doesn’t just improve eyesight—it rewires how the brain processes visual input. This can lead to significant and lasting improvements in both academic performance and sports. Many patients see an average of three years of performance improvement after completing the 30-week program.
A recent patient from Frankfort, KY, struggled with reading and focusing in class. After starting Vision Therapy, not only did his reading skills improve, but his confidence in sports skyrocketed as well. This holistic improvement is because Vision Therapy addresses the root cause of vision problems, not just the symptoms.
Why Choose Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy offers a unique solution for children with visual processing issues that impact their learning and daily activities. At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe and his team are committed to providing personalized care to every child, helping them reach their full potential in school, sports, and beyond.
If you believe that your child’s school performance might be affected by vision issues, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a specialist.
To schedule an appointment at our Versailles or Somerset locations, call us at 859-879-0089. Help your child improve their vision—and their future—today!
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.