What Age is Behavioural Optometry For?
At Eyes by Design, one of the most common questions we receive is, “What age is behavioural optometry for?”
As a behavioural optometrist, I’m always eager to address this query because the answer might surprise many. Behavioural optometry isn’t limited to a specific age group – it’s a versatile approach to vision care that can benefit individuals across all life stages, from infancy to senior years.
Behavioural optometry can be applied at different ages, the unique visual challenges each life stage presents, and the potential benefits of this holistic approach to vision care. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s visual development, an adult struggling with digital eye strain, or a senior experiencing age-related vision changes, behavioural optometry has something to offer.
Understanding Behavioural Optometry
Before we delve into age-specific applications, let’s briefly explain behavioural optometry. This specialised field of optometry goes beyond traditional eye care by considering not just the health of the eyes and visual acuity but also how vision integrates with other sensory systems and impacts overall function and behaviour.
Behavioural optometrists assess various aspects of visual function, including eye teaming, focusing abilities, eye movements, and visual processing.
We understand that clear eyesight is just one component of good vision. Our goal is to optimize the entire visual system to enhance performance in daily activities, whether that’s reading, sports, or using digital devices.
Behavioural Optometry for Infants and Toddlers
Many people are surprised to learn that behavioural optometry can be beneficial even for the youngest members of our society. While infants can’t tell us about their vision, their visual system is rapidly developing from birth. Early intervention can be crucial for detecting and addressing potential vision issues that might impact development.
For infants and toddlers, behavioural optometrists use specialised techniques to assess visual function. We look for proper eye alignment, the ability to focus and track objects, and early signs of visual processing skills. These assessments can help identify issues like strabismus (eye turn) or amblyopia (lazy eye) early on when they’re most treatable.
Moreover, we can provide guidance to parents on activities that promote healthy visual development. Simple things like providing appropriate visual stimulation and encouraging eye-hand coordination can have a significant impact on a child’s visual and overall development.
Behavioural Optometry for School-Age Children
As children enter school, their visual demands increase dramatically. Reading, writing, and using computers all require complex visual skills. This is where behavioural optometry can play a crucial role in supporting academic success.
For school-age children, we assess not just visual acuity but also skills like sustained focus, eye tracking for reading, and the ability to shift focus between near and far (like from desk to whiteboard). We also evaluate visual processing skills that are essential for reading comprehension and learning.
If a child is struggling in school, it’s worth considering whether vision might be a contributing factor. Sometimes, what appears to be a learning or attention problem may actually be rooted in visual difficulties. Addressing these visual issues through techniques like vision therapy can often help improve a child’s academic performance and confidence.
Behavioural Optometry for Teenagers and Young Adults
As young people navigate the demands of higher education and enter the workforce, they often face new visual challenges. Extended computer use, intensive study sessions, and sometimes high-performance visual needs in sports or specific careers can all strain the visual system.
For this age group, behavioural optometry can help address issues like digital eye strain, headaches associated with near work, or difficulties with sustained reading or screen use. We might recommend specialised computer glasses, provide exercises to improve visual stamina or offer strategies for maintaining visual comfort during long study or work sessions.
For young athletes, behavioural optometry can also enhance sports performance. We can work on improving depth perception, peripheral awareness, and hand-eye coordination—all crucial skills in many sports.
Behavioural Optometry for Adults
Contrary to what some might think, our visual system continues to adapt and change throughout adulthood. Many adults find themselves facing new visual challenges as they age or as their visual demands change.
Behavioural optometry can address a wide range of issues for adults. We often work with individuals experiencing eye strain or headaches related to computer use. As more jobs require extended screen time, maintaining visual comfort has become increasingly important.
We also see adults who are struggling with changes in their vision as they enter their 40s and beyond. Presbyopia, the age-related difficulty focusing on near objects, is a common concern. While traditional optometry might simply prescribe reading glasses, behavioural optometry takes a more comprehensive approach. We might explore options like multifocal lenses or provide techniques to enhance focusing flexibility.
Moreover, adults in visually demanding professions – like pilots, surgeons, or professional drivers – can benefit from specialised visual assessments and training to optimise their visual performance in their specific roles.
Behavioural Optometry for Seniors
As we enter our senior years, maintaining good vision becomes increasingly important for quality of life and independence. While some age-related vision changes are normal, behavioural optometry can help seniors adapt to these changes and maintain optimal visual function.
For seniors, we focus on preserving existing visual skills and developing strategies to compensate for any age-related changes. This might involve recommending specific lighting conditions, providing exercises to maintain eye muscle strength and flexibility, or exploring the use of low vision aids when necessary.
We also pay close attention to how vision integrates with balance and spatial awareness, as this can be crucial for preventing falls in older adults. By optimising visual function, we can often help seniors maintain their independence and continue enjoying activities like reading, driving, or engaging in hobbies.
Behavioural Optometry for Individuals with Special Needs
It’s worth noting that behavioural optometry can be particularly beneficial for individuals with special needs, regardless of age. Conditions like autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, or developmental delays often have associated visual challenges that can impact daily function and learning.
For these individuals, we take a particularly patient and adaptive approach, tailoring our assessments and treatments to their specific needs and abilities. By addressing visual issues, we can often help improve overall function, reducing frustration and enhancing quality of life.
So, to answer the question, “What age is behavioural optometry for?” The answer is all ages.
From supporting early visual development in infants to helping seniors maintain their independence, behavioural optometry offers a comprehensive approach to vision care throughout the lifespan and it is as easy as booking in for a comprehensive eye examination to see how this could relate to you or a family member.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics.
It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg
For over two decades, my greatest passion has been helping people of all ages live improved lives through better vision. At Eyes by Design, vision is so much more than being able to see clearly or read small letters from far away; it determines your perceptions and reactions every second of the day.
Read more about Dr Nick
