Vision plays a critical role in a child’s development, influencing their ability to learn, read, and engage with the world around them.
Many children with vision issues are often misdiagnosed with learning difficulties, attention disorders, or behavioral challenges, when in fact, they may have undiagnosed vision problems that can be treated with vision therapy.
We are skilled in children’s vision assessments and vision therapy programs designed to improve visual skills and support learning, coordination, and reading comprehension.
Signs That a Child May Have a Vision Problem
Children often do not realize they have vision issues because they assume their vision is “normal.” As a result, parents and teachers should be aware of common signs of vision problems, including:
- Frequent squinting or covering one eye
- Difficulty reading or avoiding reading altogether
- Skipping words or lines when reading
- Holding books or digital devices very close to their face
- Complaints of headaches, eye strain, or double vision
- Poor hand-eye coordination during sports and activities
- Reversing letters or struggling with spelling and writing
- Short attention span when doing close-up tasks
If a child exhibits any of these symptoms, a comprehensive vision evaluation is essential to determine whether vision therapy can help.
How Vision Therapy Helps Children
Vision therapy can address several visual challenges that impact academic performance, motor coordination, and daily life.
1. Improving Eye Tracking Skills
- Helps children follow words across a page more smoothly when reading.
- Reduces word skipping, line jumping, and loss of place when reading.
2. Strengthening Eye Teaming (Binocular Vision)
- Ensures both eyes work together efficiently, reducing double vision and blurred vision.
- Helps with depth perception, improving sports performance and overall coordination.
3. Enhancing Eye Focusing Ability
- Helps children shift focus quickly and accurately between near and far objects.
- Reduces eye strain and headaches, making reading and schoolwork easier.
4. Correcting Visual Processing Issues
- Helps children interpret and understand visual information more effectively.
- Supports letter and word recognition, improving spelling and writing skills.
5. Reducing Visual Fatigue and Discomfort
- Many children with undiagnosed vision problems struggle with screen time and reading due to excessive eye strain.
- Vision therapy helps improve visual endurance, making learning more enjoyable.
Conditions Vision Therapy Can Treat
Vision therapy is beneficial for children with a variety of visual challenges, including:
Convergence Insufficiency (CI)
A condition where the eyes struggle to work together for close-up tasks, leading to double vision, headaches, and reading difficulties.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
A condition where one eye has weaker vision due to lack of proper development. Vision therapy can help strengthen the weaker eye and improve visual clarity.
Strabismus (Eye Turn or Crossed Eyes)
A condition where the eyes are misaligned. Vision therapy can help train the eyes to work together, reducing the need for surgery in some cases.
Visual Processing Disorders
Children with visual processing challenges struggle to understand and interpret what they see, affecting their reading, spelling, and coordination. Vision therapy helps improve these skills.
The Difference Between a Standard Eye Exam and a Functional Vision Exam
A standard eye exam checks for clarity of vision and determines whether a child needs glasses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
A functional vision exam, offered at Wicks Eyecare, evaluates how well the eyes work together, process information, and focus on visual tasks. This in-depth assessment is essential for identifying hidden vision problems that may be impacting learning and daily activities.
What to Expect from Vision Therapy at Wicks Eyecare
1. Comprehensive Vision Assessment
Our optometrists conduct an in-depth functional vision evaluation to identify any underlying visual challenges.
2. Customized Vision Therapy Program
Each child receives a personalized program consisting of targeted exercises and activities designed to strengthen visual skills.
3. Weekly In-Office Therapy & At-Home Exercises
Most vision therapy programs involve weekly in-office sessions, combined with at-home activities to reinforce progress.
4. Ongoing Progress Monitoring
We track improvements in vision, reading, and coordination, adjusting as needed to achieve the best results.
Why Choose Wicks Eyecare for Vision Therapy?
We are committed to helping children achieve their full potential by improving their visual skills. Our experienced team provides:
- Comprehensive children’s vision assessments
- Personalized vision therapy programs tailored to each child’s needs
- A supportive, engaging, and fun approach to therapy
- Ongoing monitoring and progress tracking
By addressing vision challenges early, we help children develop the skills they need for success in school, sports, and daily life.
Book a Vision Therapy Consultation Today
If your child is struggling with reading, learning, or coordination, their vision may be a contributing factor. Book a vision therapy consultation at Wicks Eyecare to assess their visual skills and explore treatment options.
Early intervention can make all the difference in your child’s confidence and success. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.