As parents, we strive to help our children succeed academically, but sometimes even the most hardworking students fall behind. After reviewing report cards, many parents might wonder why their diligent child still struggles. According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a pediatric eye doctor based in Versailles, KY, the answer might lie in an often-overlooked area: vision.
Vision vs. Eyesight: What’s the Difference?
While most of us associate vision with having 20-20 eyesight, Dr. Graebe explains that there’s more to vision than just seeing clearly. In fact, nearly 90% of what children learn in school is introduced through vision. If your child is struggling academically despite good eyesight, they may have a problem with “vision processing.”
Vision processing refers to how the brain interprets visual information. Even if your child can see clearly, their brain might not be properly processing what their eyes are seeing. As Dr. Graebe puts it, some students may have “20-20 eyesight, but zero-zero vision.” This means they can see the words on the page but might struggle to comprehend or engage with them fully—much like reading a foreign language without understanding it.
Common Vision Processing Issues Affecting Learning
One of the most common vision issues that impacts students is known as convergence insufficiency, which is the inability to coordinate both eyes inward to focus on nearby objects, such as a book or a tablet screen. Children with convergence insufficiency often find reading exhausting, which can affect their ability to perform in school. Other signs of vision processing issues include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Skipping lines or words when reading
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Avoiding reading or homework
Vision Therapy: A Life-Changing Solution
For students dealing with these issues, Dr. Graebe offers Vision Therapy—a customized, drug-free program designed to retrain the brain’s pathways for processing visual information. Vision Therapy is similar to physical therapy but for the eyes and brain.
At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, located in Versailles and serving the greater Lexington and Somerset areas, Vision Therapy can help students make lasting changes over just one summer. With a success rate of up to 95%, the program has transformed countless students from struggling learners to academic achievers.
One recent example is a student from Nicholasville, KY, who was falling behind in reading. After just a few months of Vision Therapy, they saw remarkable improvements in their ability to focus and comprehend text, leading to better grades and renewed confidence in the classroom.
Why Early Detection Is Key
Dr. Graebe emphasizes that early detection is crucial. “Whenever a child isn’t reaching their academic potential, vision should be the first thing checked,” he advises. Unfortunately, most standard eye exams don’t test for vision processing issues, which means these problems often go undiagnosed. This is why specialized behavioral and developmental optometrists like Dr. Graebe are essential for uncovering and treating these hidden barriers to learning.
Take Action for Your Child’s Success
If you’ve noticed signs of academic struggle in your child, don’t wait for things to worsen. An evaluation with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD could reveal the root cause of the problem. With locations in Versailles and Somerset, Neuro-Visual Performance Institute serves families throughout Central and Southern Kentucky, helping children reach their full academic potential.
Schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam today by calling 859-879-0089.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.