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FAQs

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How does behavioural optometry differ from a normal optician?Behavioural optometry focuses on the functional aspects of vision and how they impact behaviour and learning, often using specialized assessments and vision therapy for individuals with learning difficulties. In contrast, traditional optometry primarily addresses eye health, visual acuity, and provides prescriptions for corrective lenses. While behavioural optometry emphasizes collaboration with educators and other professionals, traditional optometry focuses mainly on eye-related issues.
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Do you provide dyslexia testing?No, testing for dyselxia is usually done by a Educational Psychologist. Our aim to diagnose and management the visual aspects that lead to a dyslexia diagnosis.
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My child does not have an official diagnosis, can we access your services?Yes, in the UK the system for diagnosis of SEN needs is very under resourced and it can take years before a child receives a diagnosis. An official diagnosis does not tell us any additional information that we wouldn't be assessing anyway. In a lot of cases, diagnosis's like dyslexia are very broad and not a clinically relevant to us as you would imagine. We strongly believe in taking action as soon as possible to get the best results.
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We live too far away, can we access your services remotely?For assessments we need to have an in person appointment, however these can be done in one day. For therapy we have had patient's do their therapy remotely using zoom or skype, however we do prefer to do the therapy sessions in person.
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Why do I have to pay for your services?Unfortunately neither the NHS nor department of education are willing to cover the cost of behavioural optometry. In some cases our services can be paid for under an EHCP, however we can only provide evidence in support of an application of this nature. We do offer a direct debit payment option to help spread the cost.
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Do I need to bring anything?For a suitability assessment we do ask that you bring and relevant paperwork regarding your child's educational needs, such as EdPsy reports or IEPs (from a SENCO).
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How long does each assessment take?We aim to finish each section of the assessment program in roughly 90 minutes.
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How many assessments will we need?This varies from patient to patient however on average most patient's need any combination of 2 of the 3 asessments.
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Is vision therapy permanent?Yes, vision therapy is much like riding a bike. Once your brain has developed a particular skill it becomes hard wired.
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Does it work?We have seen over 2000 patients in the time since Alastair started doing Vision Therapy and we have found that as long as the patient does the prescribed exercises that we always see positive results.
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How do you measure success?We measure success by comparing the measured results during the initial assessments with the measurements taken following therapy. All our tests are well established measures of either the vision system or academic performance so act as a great guide to progress. The two academic measures (ones the schools use) are the Test of Visual and Perceptive Skills (TVPS) and the Beery-VMI.
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Are the exercises boring?We try our very best to make all our exercises as engaging as possible. Most of our exercises could best be described as "Therapy through play", and we always try and design the treatment program so as to not be too boring for the patient.
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Can you provide reports to school?Yes we can. As standard we write a letter to the school / SENCO advising that we are providing therapy to your child. We also offer a range of more in-depth reports depending on your needs. These reports do come with fee owing to the time requirements for writing them.
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Can you help in an EHCP application?Yes, we can provide evidence as part of an EHCP application.
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Can you advise us on other issues such as emotional support?We work with a number of professionals such as EdPsy, Tutors and emotional therapists.
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How do you measure the improvements you get from Vision Therapy?In addition to the many measures of the vision system we also use the Test of Visual Perceptive Skills (TVPS) and Beery VMI tests. We look to see an age normal improvement throughout the course of therapy.
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Will Vision Therapy resolve all my pupils SEN needs?No, Vision Therapy is part of much bigger picture when looking at a child with SEN needs. All vision therapy can do is correct the visual processing issues that have held the child back. Once a child's vision system is on a more level playing field they then need the help teacher's and SENCOs to get their academic results up to that of their peers.
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Does Vision Therapy have other effects?Issues with visual processing can have wider effects than just their academic performance. In many cases we see that our patient's have better mobility, emotional wellbeing and confidence.
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Do I need to adjust the advice i give a pupil if they are having Vision Therapy?Yes and no, we do not look to tell you how to do your job, we understand that you know a lot more about education than we do. In a lot of cases we do make recommendations that fit with our findings and in our view would help your pupil. We strongly believe in working collaboratively with other professionals.
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Does Vision therapy have an evidence base?Yes, every test and therapy we do is supported by research.
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