Vision Therapy Helps Sisters Achieve Success

When Mike and Renee Ward noticed both of their daughters were struggling with vision issues, they sought answers. Guided by pediatric optometrist Dr. Rick Graebe, the family began vision therapy that changed the girls’ academic performance, sports abilities, and confidence.

Anna’s Vision Therapy Journey

Anna, a first grader, found reading difficult because her eyes did not work together. A structured therapy plan helped her overcome these challenges.

Convergence Insufficiency Impact

Anna’s eyes could not accurately track words across a page, a condition called convergence insufficiency. This made reading tiring and slowed her learning.

Customized Thirty Week Program

Dr. Graebe created a thirty week therapy schedule designed to strengthen the connection between Anna’s eyes and brain.

Engaging Exercises

Therapy sessions felt like games, keeping Anna motivated.

• Bouncing a ball while wearing an eye patch
• Rhythmic finger tapping to a metronome

Reading Success

By third grade, Anna enjoyed reading, excelled in comprehension, and even wrote her own stories such as “Captain Carrot.” Her confidence soared.

Taylor’s Path to Clear Vision

Taylor, age five, turned her head to see and struggled with depth perception. Therapy focused on aligning her eyes without surgery.

Early Signs and Concerns

Mike Ward observed Taylor touching objects to identify them and noticed her left eye turning inward, prompting an evaluation.

Choosing Therapy Instead of Surgery

While surgery was suggested elsewhere, the Wards opted for non invasive treatment with Dr. Graebe’s philosophy of holistic care.

Tools and Techniques Used

Specific exercises and equipment guided Taylor toward better alignment.

• Red green lenses to train eye coordination
• Letter tracing to improve fine motor control

Improvements On and Off the Field

Taylor’s left eye straightened and her depth perception returned. She now plays soccer with confidence and accurately sees the ball.

What Makes Vision Therapy Holistic

The Neuro Visual Performance Institute’s approach looks beyond eyesight alone, integrating multiple systems for lasting results.

Eyes, Brain, and Body Connection

Therapy strengthens neural pathways so the eyes, brain, and body work in harmony, improving reading, balance, and coordination.

Benefits Beyond Vision

Children often gain improved academic performance, better sports skills, and higher self esteem, echoing the successes seen in Anna and Taylor.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Anna and Taylor’s stories show that targeted vision therapy can unlock a child’s potential in the classroom and on the field. Our team is committed to guiding every family toward the same bright future.