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Vision Therapy FAQs

1. Could my child or I benefit from Vision Therapy?
Fill out this Symptom Checklist to begin assessing your vision problems and bring it with you to your first appointment!
2. What is the difference between Orthoptics and Vision Therapy?
Orthoptics (straightening of the eyes) is eye-muscle training and cosmetic straightening of eyes. Vision Therapy includes some orthoptics, but also includes training and rehabilitation of eye-brain connections.
3. What is the difference between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
An Optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) who diagnoses and treats visual health problems. Some optometrists specialize in Vision Therapy. The Ophthalmologist is a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) who specializes in surgery and diseases of the eye. Only a small number of Ophthalmologists work with vision therapists.
4. Should I get my child's eyes evaluated if he/she is having difficulty in school?
It is advised to have an eye examination to determine whether difficulties in school may be related to eye or vision disorders. Refractive errors may be making it difficult for the child to see the board or to read. Other treatable ocular conditions include strabismus, amblyopia, convergence and/or focusing deficiencies, and refractive errors.
5. Is it too late for adults to benefit from Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy can be beneficial for children and adults alike. It can be prescribed at any age. Eye strain in adults who work on computers frequently may be reduced with Vision Therapy. Adults that have been in car accidents, suffered a brain injury, or had a stroke can also benefit.
6. Can vision therapy help with learning problems?
Vision problems can interfere with reading and learning. Vision Therapy is not a direct treatment for learning disabilities such as LD, dyslexia or ADD, but it can improve visual function so the patient is better equipped to benefit from educational instruction. A multidisciplinary approach to learning disabilities is recommended, vision is just one aspect of the overall picture.
7. Can athletes benefit from Vision Therapy?
Many professional athletes use Vision Therapy to speed up their visual reaction times and improve hand-eye coordination.
8. Are there any side effects of Vision Therapy?
One side effect of vision training can be discomfort, as is common in any new form of exercise. Eyes can feel tight and might tear up during difficult exercises. This kind of discomfort will alleviate overtime, and can be improved faster by changing the practice schedule and types of exercises done at different times of the day.

Improvement in eye sight can come quickly, but it will revert if the patient stops practicing for a large length of time before the training period ends.

9. Will insurance cover Vision Therapy treatment programs?
Every insurance plan is different. It may not be covered, but in some instances there has been success with insurance coverage for Vision Therapy. Check with your provider!
10. Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes, we do offer a payment plan. Please contact us for details.

Family Eyecare Centre

749 Yates Street
Victoria, BC
Phone:
250-383-2411
Fax:
250-382-2444

Hours of operation

Monday: 8:00 - 5:00
Tuesday: 8:00 - 7:00
Wednesday: 8:00 - 5:00
Thursday: 8:00 - 7:00
Friday: 8:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 9:00- 4:00