Do I Need a Behavioural Optometrist?
What is Behavioural Optometry?
Behavioural optometry, also known as developmental optometry, is a specialised branch of optometry that goes beyond traditional vision testing. It considers the entire visual system, including how the eyes and brain work together to process and interpret visual information. Behavioural Optometrists utilise a holistic approach to evaluate and treat visual conditions, focusing on each patient’s individual needs.
Unlike conventional optometry, which primarily measures visual acuity (often called “20/20 vision”), behavioural optometry considers a broader range of visual skills. These include eye movement control, eye teaming, focusing ability, and visual perception. By assessing and addressing these visual skills, Behavioural Optometrists can help individuals overcome various visual challenges affecting learning, reading, and overall performance.
The Importance of Vision in Learning and Development
Vision plays a crucial role in learning and development. It is estimated that approximately 80% of what a child learns in school is acquired visually. When there are vision-related learning difficulties, it can significantly impact a child’s ability to process and understand information. This can lead to reading, writing, and overall academic performance difficulties.
Children with undiagnosed or uncorrected visual conditions may experience symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, double vision, or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can hinder their ability to focus and absorb information effectively. By addressing these visual challenges through behavioural optometry, children can experience improved academic performance and overall engagement in the learning process.
Behavioural optometry is not limited to children.
Adults can also benefit from this specialised approach, particularly if they experience visual discomfort, eye strain, or difficulties with visual tasks in their daily lives. Behavioural optometrists can assess and treat conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and various binocular vision disorders that may impact visual comfort and efficiency.
Signs and Symptoms to look out for
This section will explore three common behavioural eye issues: visual processing difficulties, eye tracking and teamwork problems, and visual-related learning difficulties.
Visual Processing Difficulties
Visual processing difficulties refer to challenges in how the brain interprets and makes sense of visual information. Individuals with visual processing difficulties may struggle with tasks such as reading, writing, and understanding visual stimuli. Some common signs include:
- Difficulty recognising letters, numbers, or words.
- Poor visual memory and recall.
- Inability to follow written instructions.
- Challenges in differentiating between similar-looking objects or letters.
- Slow processing speed when it comes to visual tasks.
To assess visual processing abilities, Behavioural Optometrists may conduct specific tests to evaluate visual memory, visual discrimination, and visual closure. These tests help identify the specific areas of weakness and guide the development of appropriate intervention strategies. Learn more about behavioural eye tests here.
Eye Tracking and Teamwork Problems
Eye tracking and teamwork problems occur when the eyes struggle to move smoothly across a line of text or work together effectively. These issues can affect reading fluency, comprehension, and overall visual efficiency. Some signs and symptoms of eye tracking and teamwork problems include:
- Words moving or blurring on the page.
- Difficulty sustaining attention to fine detail tasks, often fatiguing quickly, and limiting reading time.
- Showing postural adjustments when reading, including needing to move closer to the page, turning the head, covering an eye, slouching, or fidgeting excessively when reading.
- Squinting or rubbing eyes after a short period of reading.
- Losing place or needing to use fingers or a guide to hold their place when reading.
- Difficulty changing focus from board to page and vice versa.
Behavioural Optometrists may employ various techniques, such as training lenses and vision therapy, to assess and improve eye tracking and teamwork abilities.
Visual-Related Learning Difficulties
Visual-related learning difficulties encompass a range of challenges that impact a person’s ability to learn and process information visually. These difficulties can affect reading, writing, spelling, and other academic skills. Signs and symptoms of visual-related learning difficulties include:
- Difficulty with letter and word reversals.
- Poor spelling and writing skills.
- Inconsistent reading comprehension.
- Challenges with visual organisation and planning.
- Struggles with tracking lines of text or copying from the board.
- Getting easily distracted when reading.
Behavioural Optometrists work closely with educators and other professionals to identify and address visual-related learning difficulties. Comprehensive eye exams and vision therapy help individuals develop the necessary visual skills and strategies to overcome these challenges.
By recognising these signs and symptoms, individuals and their families can seek appropriate support and intervention from a Behavioural Optometrist. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in improving visual abilities and overall learning outcomes.
The Role of a Behavioural Optometrist
Behavioural Optometrists play a crucial role in diagnosing and addressing vision-related issues impacting learning and development. Their expertise extends beyond traditional optometry, focusing on the connection between vision and behaviour. This section will explore three key aspects of a behavioural optometrist’s role: comprehensive eye exams, vision therapy and rehabilitation, and collaboration with other professionals.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
A comprehensive eye exam conducted by a Behavioural Optometrist goes beyond assessing visual acuity. They evaluate various aspects of vision, including visual processing, eye tracking, and teaming skills. These exams identify underlying vision-related learning difficulties that may affect learning and development.
This includes assessing visual acuity, eye teaming, and tracking skills, evaluating depth perception, and conducting tests to determine the presence of binocular vision disorders.
These tests provide valuable insights into the individual’s visual abilities and help develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation
One of the key interventions offered by Behavioural Optometrists is vision therapy.
Vision therapy is a customised treatment program aimed at improving visual skills and addressing specific vision-related difficulties.
These may include eye movement exercises, visual perceptual activities, and hand-eye coordination tasks.
Vision therapy aims to improve visual processing, eye teaming, and tracking skills, ultimately enhancing overall visual function.
Collaborating with Other Professionals
Behavioural Optometrists often collaborate with other professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care. They may collaborate with Educators, Occupational Therapists, and other healthcare providers to address the specific needs of individuals with vision-related difficulties.
Behavioural Optometrists can provide a multidisciplinary approach to vision care by working with other professionals. This collaborative effort allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the individual’s needs and the development of a holistic treatment plan. It ensures that all aspects of a person’s learning and development are considered and addressed effectively.
Common Conditions Treated by Behavioural Optometrists
Behavioural Optometrists specialise in diagnosing and treating a range of vision-related conditions that can impact learning and development. Here are three common conditions that Behavioural Optometrists often address:
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a condition where one eye is weaker than the other, leading to reduced vision. This condition typically occurs during childhood when the brain favours one eye over the other, causing the weaker eye to become underdeveloped.
Behavioural Optometrists play a crucial role in treating amblyopia by prescribing visual therapies and exercises that help improve the coordination and strength of the weaker eye. These therapies aim to stimulate the brain-eye connection, encouraging the development of visual skills and improving overall visual acuity.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, is a condition characterised by the misalignment of the eyes. In individuals with strabismus, the eyes may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, causing a lack of coordination between the two eyes.
Behavioural Optometrists work closely with patients diagnosed with strabismus to correct the misalignment and improve binocular vision. Treatment options may include vision therapy exercises, prism lenses, or in some cases, referral for surgical intervention. The goal is to improve eye alignment, enhance depth perception, and promote better eye teaming abilities.
Binocular Vision Disorders
Binocular vision disorders refer to conditions where the eyes struggle to work together efficiently. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, double vision, and difficulty focusing.
Read more about Binocular vision Dysfunction
Behavioural Optometrists assess and diagnose binocular vision disorders through comprehensive eye examinations. Once diagnosed, they develop personalised treatment plans that may include vision therapy exercises, training lenses, vision therapy,
The Benefits of Behavioural Optometry
Behavioural Optometry offers a range of benefits that can significantly impact an individual’s life, particularly in relation to learning difficulties and vision. Behavioural Optometry can help individuals unlock their hidden potential by addressing underlying visual issues and providing appropriate interventions.
Improved Academic Performance
One of the primary benefits of Behavioural Optometry is the potential for improved academic performance. Many learning difficulties are rooted in visual challenges that may go unnoticed. By identifying and addressing these issues, behavioural optometrists can help individuals overcome barriers to learning.
Through comprehensive eye exams and assessments, Behavioural Optometrists evaluate visual skills such as visual processing and eye tracking. They then develop personalised treatment plans, to enhance these skills.
Enhanced Visual Comfort and Efficiency
Individuals with to vision-related learning difficulties may experience symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can significantly affect daily activities, including reading, writing, and using digital devices.
By addressing underlying visual problems, such as visual-related learning difficulties and binocular vision disorders, Behavioural Optometrists can alleviate these symptoms.
Boosted Confidence and Self-esteem
The impact of Behavioural Optometry extends beyond academic performance and visual comfort. By addressing and improving visual challenges, behavioural optometry can also contribute to boosted confidence and self-esteem.
Learning difficulties and visual issues can often lead to frustration, low self-confidence, and reduced self-esteem. As individuals receive appropriate interventions and witness improvements in their visual skills, they gain a sense of accomplishment and increased belief in their abilities. This newfound confidence can positively impact various aspects of their lives, including academic pursuits, social interactions, and overall well-being.
By understanding the benefits of Behavioural Optometry, individuals with learning difficulties and vision-related issues can make informed decisions about seeking professional help. Behavioural Optometry can unlock the hidden potential within individuals, empowering them to thrive in their personal and academic pursuits.
