At first glance, it might seem too good to be true: can vision therapy help children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) without relying on medications? While parents are understandably skeptical, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a pediatric eye doctor based in Versailles, Kentucky, has seen firsthand how this approach can transform the lives of children struggling in school.
In fact, nearly every day, parents express their gratitude for how Dr. Graebe’s vision therapy program has turned their children’s academic journeys around. Testimonials fill the walls of his office at Family Eyecare Associates, highlighting stories of children who went from struggling to thriving in their studies, often without the need for drugs.
What is Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a customized program designed to improve the way the eyes, brain, and body work together. Most traditional eye exams focus on basic eyesight, but Dr. Graebe looks beyond that. His approach focuses on visual efficiency (how well the eyes and muscles function) and visual processing (how the brain interprets what the eyes see).
After a comprehensive 90-minute exam, if a child is diagnosed with issues related to visual efficiency or processing, they can embark on a 10-15 week program. The therapy sessions consist of fun, body-involved activities like bouncing balls, playing puzzle games, and handling objects. These exercises help train the brain and eyes to work in harmony, which can dramatically improve a child’s ability to focus and learn in the classroom.
Kentucky’s ADD Challenge and Vision Therapy
In Kentucky, more than 10% of children under the age of 17 are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD—making it one of the states with the highest prevalence of the condition. Many of these children also suffer from convergence insufficiency, a condition in which the eyes struggle to work together on close-up tasks like reading. This is where vision therapy can make a profound difference.
Dr. Graebe describes his success in treating convergence insufficiency as a “slam dunk,” as this visual issue is one of the easiest to resolve with his therapy program. When the eyes are trained to function properly, children can focus better, which improves their school performance and reduces behaviors often associated with ADD and ADHD.
Real Stories of Transformation
Parents often share how their children have benefited from vision therapy. Neil K. Craig, for example, described how his daughter used to become upset and frustrated during homework sessions. However, after completing the vision therapy program, she began studying without emotional outbursts and even started enjoying reading.
Another parent, Angela Reeves, saw similar success with her son. His reading level improved by four levels after vision therapy, and his ability to stay focused in class skyrocketed. His self-confidence also grew, showing the holistic benefits of addressing vision problems.
Could Vision Therapy Be the Answer for Your Child?
If you’re a parent whose child struggles in school, particularly with attention or reading difficulties, it might be time to explore vision therapy as an option. Many children diagnosed with ADD or ADHD might actually be dealing with vision problems that, when corrected, can lead to significant improvements in focus and learning.
With two convenient locations in Versailles serving the greater Lexington area and Somerset, the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute is one of the only pediatric specialty practices in Central and Southern Kentucky offering this unique approach. Dr. Rick Graebe has helped countless children overcome learning challenges by addressing their visual processing issues.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Today
If your child is struggling in the classroom, consider scheduling a comprehensive pediatric eye exam with Dr. Rick Graebe. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Graebe can assess whether vision therapy is the right solution for your child’s academic and behavioral challenges.
To schedule an appointment at our Versailles or Somerset locations, call us today at 859-879-0089. Let us help your child reach their full potential through improved vision.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.