At the beginning of his career, Dr. Rick Graebe, FCOVD, a renowned optometrist based in Versailles, Kentucky, noticed a pattern among his patients. Despite wearing glasses with the perfect prescription, many still faced challenges such as reading difficulties, headaches, and poor eye-hand coordination. This led Dr. Graebe to an important realization: the traditional structural approach to vision care, which focuses solely on eye health, was insufficient.
Shifting from a Structural to a Functional Vision Model
“Everything was based on the eyeballs,” Dr. Graebe said, reflecting on the conventional model taught in optometry and ophthalmology schools. While checking the cornea or retina is vital, it often overlooks a crucial factor: how well the eyes work as a system.
Dr. Graebe’s approach evolved into what he calls a functional vision model, focusing on how vision operates within the brain. “For me, vision takes place in the brain where all the senses are integrated, with more than 70% of the sensory input to the brain coming from the visual system,” Dr. Graebe explained. In other words, vision isn’t just about how clearly we see—it’s about how our brain processes and integrates what we see.
This model extends beyond simply testing how well you can read an eye chart. Dr. Graebe often surprises parents by connecting their child’s vision issues with daily challenges like difficulty riding a bike or keeping up with schoolwork.
Functional Vision in the Classroom
One of the most common places where functional vision issues manifest is in the classroom. Students spend up to 75% of their time working on activities that involve near vision, such as reading or copying from the board. While a student might have 20/20 vision, their visual system could still be underperforming in three critical areas:
- Eye Movement and Coordination: Can the eyes move accurately across a page while reading?
- Visual Processing: Can the brain efficiently process the information collected by the eyes?
- Brain Integration: Can the brain integrate visual data with other senses and use it to make sense of the world?
Addressing these issues can make a significant difference in a child’s academic performance and overall quality of life. Dr. Graebe’s specialized exams are designed to pinpoint these challenges, and the good news is, they can be treated!
Vision Therapy: A Life-Changing Solution
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Graebe and his team specialize in solving these visual challenges through tailored vision therapy programs. These programs work to strengthen the connection between the eyes and brain, improving how patients see, process, and react to the world around them.
Dr. Graebe takes great satisfaction in helping children and adults who have struggled for years, not realizing their vision was the underlying issue. “After switching from the old medical model of vision to my updated functional model, we can solve most of the daily problems that cause many people to suffer and struggle needlessly,” he said.
A recent case involved a young boy from Danville, Kentucky, who struggled to stay focused in school. His parents were initially concerned about attention deficit issues, but after an evaluation with Dr. Graebe, it became clear that his challenges were rooted in visual processing difficulties. Through vision therapy, the boy’s focus improved, and his academic performance soared.
Schedule a Functional Vision Exam Near Lexington Today!
If you or your child is facing unexplained learning difficulties, poor coordination, or even recurring headaches, it might be time for a functional vision evaluation. With two locations in Versailles and Somerset, serving the greater Lexington area and all of Central and Southern Kentucky, Dr. Rick Graebe, FCOVD, and his team are ready to help you reach your full potential.
Call 859-879-0089 today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards clearer, more functional vision.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.