Vision Therapy and Science
You’ve probably heard the old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Yet, recent research in the field of neurology suggests that when it comes to the human brain, that’s not true. It just may take a little more time and effort.
Studies show that the human brain has a significant amount of neuroplasticity — the ability to change its structure and function in response to external stimuli. And these neurological changes in the brain, once thought to occur only during early childhood, have been demonstrated to occur in adults as well.
In one study, experienced adult typists who underwent long-term training to improve their keyboarding skills demonstrated increases in gray matter volume in their brains, suggesting that learning affects not only function, but also brain structure.
Recent findings about neuroplasticity appear to confirm what many vision therapy experts have been saying for years: properly devised and administered programs produce neurological changes that can correct vision problems and improve visual performance.
Some experts say certain anomalies associated with vision skills may be affected by neuroplasticity. If this is true, it’s likely these same vision problems may be successfully treated with vision therapy.
To determine candidacy for vision therapy to help improve visual performance at school, work or sport, a 2-hour Initial Assessment is completed. This testing is a critical appraisal of 12 visual skills, that goes far beyond the basic eye exam and 20/20 vision clarity; it assesses visual efficiency (eye focusing and teaming), reading & eye-tracking movements and visual information processing (VIP) skills. If two or more of these visual skills are significantly below normal then they are likely creating visual-anchors and reduced performance. These deficient visual skills are remedial with diligent effort and vision therapy that is doctor directed.
Please visit my website www.oakvillecentreforvision.com or call the office 905-338-2020 or email us at vt@oakvillecentreforvision.com for more information.