WHAT IS VISION THERAPY?
Vision Therapy Is Not Just Eye Exercise
Unlike other forms of exercise, the goal of Vision Therapy is NOT to strengthen eye
muscles. Your eye muscles are already incredibly strong! Vision Therapy is not to be
confused with any self-directed program of eye exercises which is or has been marketed
to the public. Vision Therapy is supervised by optometric vision care professionals and
many types of specialized medical equipment are used in Vision Therapy programs, such
as:
  • Prescription Lenses (regulated medical devices)
  • Therapeutic Lenses (regulated medical devices)
  • Prisms (regulated medical devices)
  • Optical Filters
  • Eye Patches or Occluders
  • Electronic Targets with Timing Mechanisms
  • Computer Software
  • Vestibular (balance) Equipment.
The first step in any Vision Therapy program is a comprehensive vision examination. The
next step is a sensorimotor examination, which includes 1 ½ hours of additional testing
of the visual system, including binocular vision, accommodation, and eye movement
efficiency. Following a thorough evaluation, Dr. Lang or Dr. Lauffenburger can advise the
candidate as to whether Vision Therapy would be appropriate treatment.
Vision Therapy Is An Effective Treatment
Vision therapy -- a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain -- is a highly effective
non-surgical treatment for many common visual problems such as lazy eye, crossed
eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency, focusing problems, and some reading
disabilities. Many patients who have been told, "it's too late," or "you'll have to learn to
live with it" have benefited from vision therapy. In the case of reading disabilities, vision
therapy is specifically directed toward resolving visual problems which interfere with
reading, learning and educational instruction. Optometrists do not claim that vision
therapy is a direct treatment for any learning disabilities.

What is involved in a Vision Therapy program?
Vision Therapy is --
  • A progressive program of vision "exercises" or procedures;
  • Performed under doctor supervision;
  • Individualized to fit the visual needs of each patient;
  • Generally conducted in-office, in once or twice weekly sessions of 30 minutes;
  • Supplemented with procedures done at home between office visits ("homework")
  • Prescribed to
- help patients develop or improve fundamental visual skills and abilities;
- improve visual comfort, ease, and efficiency;
- change how a patient processes or interprets visual information.
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For more information about vision therapy, visit the COVD website.