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What is Vision therapy

A Guide for Educational Psycologists

How behavioural Optometry can help your students with dyslexia, dspraxia, dyscalcula, adhd and autism

What is Vision Therapy and How It Relates to Educational Psychology 

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Vision therapy is an individualized, non-invasive program designed to enhance the way the brain and eyes work together. While many people associate vision with simply seeing clearly (20/20 vision), true visual function involves much more than clarity. It requires the brain to process and interpret visual information accurately and efficiently. This includes crucial skills like eye tracking, focusing, visual memory, hand-eye coordination, and visual perception—skills that are foundational to learning, reading, and behavior.

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For educational psychologists, understanding the full scope of a child’s cognitive and learning difficulties is essential, and vision therapy addresses a piece of that puzzle that is often overlooked. Many children who struggle with academic tasks, especially those diagnosed with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, or developmental delays, may actually be dealing with underlying visual processing issues that impact their ability to engage in classroom activities. These issues can manifest as difficulty focusing, reading, following instructions, or even understanding spatial relationships in subjects like math.

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Here’s how vision therapy connects with the work of EdPsychs:

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Visual Processing and Learning

Children who have difficulties with visual processing often struggle to interpret and make sense of what they see, which directly affects their ability to learn. For example, a child with poor eye tracking may have trouble reading smoothly, while a child with weak visual memory may find it hard to recall what they've just read or struggle with spelling. Vision therapy targets these visual skills, helping to develop the brain’s ability to process visual information efficiently, which in turn supports academic progress and cognitive development. This directly complements the EdPsych’s efforts to improve learning outcomes through cognitive and behavioral interventions.

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Reducing Misdiagnosis 

It’s not uncommon for visual processing issues to be misdiagnosed as purely behavioral or cognitive problems. A child with attention difficulties may actually be struggling because their visual system isn’t able to sustain focus on near work, such as reading or writing. By incorporating vision therapy into a comprehensive assessment of a child’s needs, EdPsychs can ensure that vision-related issues are addressed, preventing misdiagnoses and ensuring more targeted interventions.

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Supporting Emotional Wellbeing 

Children who face undiagnosed visual challenges often experience frustration, low self-esteem, or anxiety due to their academic struggles. This can lead to behavioral problems or disengagement in school. Vision therapy helps alleviate these frustrations by providing children with the visual skills they need to succeed, which can have a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing. For EdPsychs, addressing these underlying issues can lead to a more holistic approach in supporting a child’s emotional and cognitive development.

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Collaboration with Educational Professionals 

Vision therapy complements the assessments and recommendations provided by EdPsychs. By identifying and treating visual processing issues, we help students overcome barriers that may be limiting their ability to fully engage in cognitive therapies or educational programs. This collaborative approach helps create a more well-rounded intervention plan, allowing both visual and cognitive issues to be addressed together.

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Impact on Developmental Milestones 

Vision therapy also supports children in meeting developmental milestones that are closely tied to visual skills, such as hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and fine motor control. These skills are crucial not only for academic success but also for everyday tasks and social interactions. By improving these visual functions, vision therapy helps children engage more successfully in both learning and social environments—key areas of focus for EdPsychs.

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In conclusion, vision therapy provides a critical intervention that aligns closely with the work of educational psychologists. By addressing the visual components of learning and development, it offers a comprehensive way to support children who are facing both academic and behavioral challenges. For EdPsychs, integrating vision therapy into the referral process ensures that students receive a complete assessment of their needs, leading to more effective, individualized interventions.

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