At first, it might sound too good to be true: helping kids with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) without drugs. Even Dr. Rick Graebe, a developmental optometrist based in Versailles, acknowledges that parents are often skeptical. But nearly every day, he hears from parents—former skeptics—who become believers after their children experience life-changing results from Vision Therapy.
One wall of Family Eyecare Associates’ office is lined with parent and student testimonials. These heartfelt stories show how Vision Therapy has transformed children who struggled in the classroom into academic success stories.
Vision Therapy: A Game-Changer for Children with ADD
Vision Therapy is a non-invasive and drug-free program that addresses the visual challenges often linked to ADD and ADHD. One parent, Neil K. Craig, shared his experience:
“Before the Vision Therapy program, my daughter would become angry or very emotional when we tried to help with homework or study for tests. Now, she studies without outbursts or crying and is beginning to enjoy reading.”
Another parent, Angela Reeves, expressed her relief:
“After Vision Therapy, he enjoys reading 100% more and is reading 100% better. His reading level came up four levels. Reading and staying focused was our biggest problem solved, but better handwriting and self-confidence came with it.”
Stories like these are the reason Dr. Graebe is so passionate about his work. “I’m elated when we get these responses,” he says. “It touches your heart because we truly can change lives with this.”
How Does Vision Therapy Work?
Vision Therapy is designed to train the eyes, brain, and body to work together. It starts with a comprehensive 90-minute exam to assess a child’s visual efficiency (how well the eyes and muscles work) and visual processing (how well the brain interprets visual information). If problems are detected, the child enters a 10-15 week program of fun and engaging activities like puzzles, ball games, and physical exercises.
Dr. Graebe explains the process simply:
“Most eye doctors deal with just eyesight. Vision Therapy deals with the eyes, brain, and body, and how they work together.”
The therapy is tailored to make the sessions enjoyable for kids, so they look forward to it. The activities might seem like play, but they have a profound impact on how well a child can focus and process visual information, which is often at the root of many ADD and ADHD symptoms.
Kentucky’s Need for Vision Therapy
Kentucky is one of only four states where more than 10% of children aged 17 and younger are diagnosed with ADD. Furthermore, kids with ADD are four times more likely to have convergence insufficiency, a condition where the eyes struggle to point and focus together, especially for close-up tasks like reading. Fortunately, Vision Therapy is highly effective in addressing this issue.
Dr. Graebe uses a basketball analogy to explain:
“That’s a slam dunk for us, no harder than a lay-up to fix.”
For parents who are hesitant to try Vision Therapy, these results speak for themselves. Children not only improve academically but also gain confidence and emotional well-being.
Real Results from Real Families
Parents who have tried everything else often find that Vision Therapy provides the breakthrough they were seeking. Neil K. Craig, whose daughter went through Vision Therapy, was initially unsure. But now, he sees a significant change:
“Now, she studies without outbursts or crying, and she’s beginning to enjoy reading.”
These transformations are why Dr. Graebe is so dedicated to his work. Vision Therapy offers a solution that goes beyond what traditional approaches can achieve, particularly for kids diagnosed with ADD and ADHD.
Schedule a Vision Therapy Consultation Today
If your child is struggling to stay focused in the classroom, Vision Therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD and his team at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute provide individualized, drug-free treatments that address the underlying visual challenges many children face.
With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, they are one of the only pediatric specialty practices serving Central and Southern Kentucky. Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment and start your child’s journey to success.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.