For many children, the simple act of reading can be a challenge, especially when underlying vision issues go undiagnosed. This was the case for Athena Noal’s two sons, Creighton and Alexander, both of whom struggled with reading despite excelling in other areas. Their story is one of hope and transformation, thanks to the specialized care they received from Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a developmental optometrist based in Versailles, Kentucky.
Discovering the Problem: Creighton’s Journey
Creighton, an 11-year-old fifth-grader at Athens Chilesburg Elementary School, was a bright student, but reading was a source of frustration. Athena was puzzled when teachers noted that Creighton frequently read over his glasses in class, assuming his prescription might be incorrect. After several eye appointments confirmed that his glasses were the right prescription, Athena turned to a different solution.
She had read about Dr. Graebe and his Vision Therapy program in Lexington Family Magazine. A consultation with Dr. Graebe revealed that Creighton was relying on one eye to do all the work due to a neurological developmental issue. This condition made reading difficult and eroded Creighton’s confidence.
After completing 30 sessions of Vision Therapy at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Creighton’s progress was remarkable. His reading skills improved significantly, and Athena noticed that he now reads for pleasure—magazines, books, and anything that piques his interest. “He wants to read a whole lot more,” Athena shared, adding that her son had finally begun to utilize his glasses as intended.
“He’s got a whole new life,” Dr. Graebe said of Creighton’s transformation. “Doors have opened. Now, doors are not slammed in his face.”
Alexander’s Struggles and Success
Athena’s younger son, Alexander, also faced reading challenges. Despite being a good student, his grades in reading were average, and the task caused him frequent headaches. Even worse, he dreaded reading, and it often led to conflicts at home.
Seeing the success of Creighton’s treatment, Athena brought Alexander to Dr. Graebe as well. The developmental optometrist identified an issue with Alexander’s eye tracking, where his eyes weren’t working in sync. This made reading laborious and unpleasant.
Through Vision Therapy, Alexander began using both eyes effectively, and the results were immediate. Not only did his reading improve at school, but he also developed a newfound interest in reading for fun. Today, Alexander reads articles on ESPN, MSNBC, and Sports Illustrated, often keeping up with his favorite University of Texas football team online.
Athena, thrilled with the changes in both of her sons, now recommends Dr. Graebe’s services to other parents. “People really should check it out,” she said. “You’ll see how committed he and his staff are.”
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy is a specialized program designed to develop or improve visual skills and abilities. While many eye doctors focus on prescribing corrective lenses, developmental optometrists like Dr. Graebe take a different approach. They assess how the eyes and brain work together to process visual information.
Conditions like Creighton’s, where one eye does all the work, and Alexander’s, where the eyes struggle to track together, are just a few examples of visual issues that can be treated through Vision Therapy. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, Neuro-Visual Performance Institute is one of the few pediatric specialty practices in Central and Southern Kentucky offering these services.
Why Vision Therapy Matters
Undiagnosed vision issues can have a profound effect on a child’s education and self-esteem. Children like Creighton and Alexander are often bright students who face unnecessary challenges because their vision problems are misunderstood or overlooked. Vision Therapy offers a way to correct these issues, opening doors for children who struggle with reading and other visual tasks.
For families in Central Kentucky, Neuro-Visual Performance Institute provides a path to improved learning and overall quality of life through personalized treatment plans. Each child is unique, and Dr. Graebe and his team are dedicated to helping them reach their full potential.
Call to Action: Give Your Child the Gift of Better Vision
If your child is struggling with reading or other visual tasks, it could be more than just a need for glasses. Vision Therapy might be the answer. At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD specializes in helping children and adults overcome visual challenges.
With offices in Versailles and Somerset, serving Central and Southern Kentucky, we’re here to help your child succeed. Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards better vision and learning.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.