Vision therapy is a topic that often generates debate in the medical community. Detractors frequently dismiss it as nothing more than eye exercises or, worse, a placebo effect. However, many patients and practitioners know that this therapy can produce life-changing results.
Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a specialist in pediatric eye care and neuro-optometric rehabilitation based in Versailles, Kentucky, has experienced this skepticism firsthand. “I used to laugh at vision therapy, just like everyone else,” says Dr. Graebe, recalling his time at optometry school. Now, with over 25 years of practice, he’s seen enough to change his mind—and the lives of his patients.
What Is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is often likened to physical therapy, but for the eyes and brain. It helps improve a variety of visual issues, including lazy eye, crossed eyes, and even double vision. Additionally, it can aid in improving eye-hand coordination, essential for reading and learning tasks.
Many children who struggle with reading find marked improvement through vision therapy. As Dr. Graebe notes, “Out of the hundreds of patients I’ve treated over the years, only a handful have said it didn’t help them.”
While critics may continue to call these success stories anecdotal, it’s hard to ignore the overwhelming positive experiences of those who have benefited from this form of therapy.
Addressing the Critics
A common criticism of vision therapy is that there isn’t enough scientific evidence to back up its effectiveness. However, Dr. Graebe pushes back on this claim. “There are plenty of studies out there, but vision therapy is often held to a higher standard than other medical treatments,” he explains.
One area where the medical community has started to come around is in the treatment of convergence insufficiency, a condition where the eyes struggle to turn inward to focus on reading material. Vision therapy has proven effective in treating this issue, providing much-needed relief to patients.
The power of vision therapy even made headlines when Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald credited it with improving his eye-hand coordination. This level of endorsement only adds weight to the success stories told by practitioners like Dr. Graebe.
The Impact of Vision Therapy
The real proof of vision therapy’s success comes from the patients themselves. Dr. Graebe has seen firsthand how this treatment has transformed lives. He frequently hears feedback like, “I’m so much better,” or “My child’s reading has improved by three grade levels.” One parent from nearby Frankfort, KY, recently shared how their child no longer experiences headaches and can now read without frustration after undergoing vision therapy at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute.
With such a high rate of success, it’s no wonder that more people are turning to vision therapy to address their visual challenges. And while the critics may continue to voice their doubts, the most compelling evidence remains the improved lives of the patients.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, with locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, we are proud to offer vision therapy that changes lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with visual issues that are affecting learning, coordination, or daily tasks, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Call us at 859-879-0089 to get started on the path to better vision and a better life.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.