At first glance, Dr. Rick Graebe’s Children’s Vision Learning Center in Versailles, Kentucky, may look more like a gym than a traditional optometrist’s office. But beyond the fun exercise equipment, like mini-trampolines and balance beams, is a specialized therapy designed to strengthen the connection between the eyes, brain, and body, helping children overcome vision-related learning challenges.
What is Vision Therapy?
While many people associate optometry with glasses or contact lenses, Dr. Graebe’s clinic goes beyond simply prescribing corrective lenses. His focus is on how the brain processes visual information, ensuring that the eyes and brain work together seamlessly. This connection plays a critical role in how children learn and engage with their surroundings.
Sometimes, however, the visual system is not functioning optimally, which can result in learning difficulties that are often mistaken for other issues, like ADHD. That’s where Dr. Graebe’s innovative Vision Therapy comes in. By strengthening the brain’s ability to interpret and act on visual data, Vision Therapy can help children succeed not only in the classroom but also in daily life.
How Vision Therapy Works
Dr. Graebe’s Vision Therapy sessions are both educational and fun. Each therapy session includes a variety of exercises and activities that stimulate and challenge the brain to improve eye coordination and visual perception. The balance beam, exercise ball, and mini-trampoline aren’t just for fun—they are tools used to help children develop the brain-body connection necessary for success.
A key part of the success of this therapy is the teamwork of Pat Thomas and Laura Van Hoose, two highly trained specialists working alongside Dr. Graebe. With backgrounds in psychology and sociology, Pat and Laura understand the complex relationship between the brain and vision. They bring their expertise to each session, guiding patients through personalized exercises designed to address specific visual challenges.
Sarah’s Success Story: A Transformative Experience
One of the most inspiring examples of Vision Therapy’s impact is Sarah’s story. Seven-year-old Sarah (not her real name) had already undergone seven surgeries for eye alignment issues, but she still struggled with depth perception and saw poorly out of her left eye. These visual problems affected every aspect of her life—from reading to even basic movements like turning her head, which caused chronic neck pain.
Through Dr. Graebe’s Vision Therapy program, Sarah’s vision dramatically improved. Her therapy included playful yet targeted exercises to align her eyes and improve her depth perception. Over time, Sarah’s coordination improved, and she regained full function in her left eye. This success was a result of her hard work and the dedicated efforts of Pat and Laura, who guided her through every step of the process.
The Power of Teamwork in Vision Therapy
Pat and Laura’s partnership is one of the keys to the therapy’s success. They work together seamlessly, sharing insights and ideas to ensure each patient receives the best care. Their collaborative approach helps patients make significant breakthroughs, whether it’s aligning eyes or improving depth perception.
The walls of Dr. Graebe’s clinic are covered in testimonials from parents and children who have experienced life-changing results thanks to this unique therapy. Families frequently return to the clinic to share how their children’s improved vision has led to greater success in school and everyday activities.
Schedule an Eye Exam Today!
If your child struggles with learning or vision challenges, Vision Therapy at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute could be the solution you’ve been searching for. With convenient locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, we are one of the only pediatric specialty practices serving Central and Southern Kentucky.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 859-879-0089 and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s full potential.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.