For many parents, the concept of brain retraining can seem intimidating. The term may evoke images of science fiction, where a mad scientist manipulates the brain with electrodes. However, according to Dr. Rick Graebe, a specialist in pediatric eye care and neuro-optometry based in Versailles, Kentucky, brain retraining is actually a cutting-edge approach to understanding how we learn.
“I understand that parents may initially be hesitant when they hear terms like brain retraining,” says Dr. Graebe. “But once they learn that it’s about enhancing the brain’s natural ability to process information, particularly through vision therapy, they realize it’s not something to fear.”
Why Is an Eye Doctor Talking About the Brain?
Parents often ask Dr. Graebe why an optometrist is talking about brain function. His response is simple: Vision plays a central role in learning. Here are some eye-opening facts:
- 85% of what children learn in school is delivered visually.
- 80% of the brain processes information from the visual system.
- 70% of the brain’s neural pathways involve vision.
- One-third of the brain is dedicated exclusively to vision.
- The visual system occupies more brain space than the other four senses combined.
“When the visual system works efficiently, it enhances learning,” Dr. Graebe explains. “When it doesn’t, it can hold a child back.”
Seeing Isn’t the Only Part of Vision
Parents often assume that if their child has 20/20 eyesight with glasses, they have no vision problems. But according to Dr. Graebe, vision is much more than just seeing clearly. It also involves processing what is seen and integrating that information with other senses.
“It’s like sitting in a classroom where the lesson is taught in a foreign language,” says Dr. Graebe. “You may be able to see the board clearly, but the information doesn’t make sense to you.”
Vision Therapy: Rewiring the Brain for Lifelong Learning
Vision Therapy, offered by the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles, Kentucky, is an internationally recognized treatment that goes beyond correcting eyesight with glasses. It’s a form of neurocognitive training designed to create new, permanent pathways in the brain, providing lifelong benefits to patients.
Many students struggle because their eyes are inefficient at tracking across a page. As a result, they skip lines, lose their place, or develop headaches after reading.
“There are so many bright, articulate kids who are held back because of visual efficiency issues,” Dr. Graebe says. “They might be diagnosed with learning disabilities, but often, they just need their visual system retrained.”
By retraining the brain through Vision Therapy, students can improve both the quantity and speed of the information they process while reading. This allows them to revisit a critical period in their development, giving them a second chance to master integration skills that are vital to their academic success.
Dr. Graebe uses the analogy of a runner competing with a 20-pound weight tied to their leg. “Once that weight is removed, they can perform at their best. Vision Therapy removes that weight.”
Success Stories from Vision Therapy
Parents and children often express their gratitude for the life-changing results they’ve experienced at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute. One such case involved a 10-year-old student from Lexington, Kentucky, who struggled with reading comprehension and was falling behind in school. After several months of Vision Therapy, her reading scores improved dramatically, and she gained newfound confidence in her studies.
“I feel truly blessed to come to work and help make such positive changes in people’s lives,” Dr. Graebe shares. “It’s an amazing feeling!”
Unlocking Your Child’s Potential
Vision Therapy at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute is one of the few programs in Central and Southern Kentucky that offers this advanced treatment for visual and cognitive issues. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, this specialized therapy can unlock your child’s potential and set them on a path to lifelong learning success.
If you believe your child’s learning difficulties could be related to a vision problem, contact Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD at 859-879-0089 today to schedule an evaluation at our Versailles or Somerset office.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.