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Health News > Behavioral Optometry and Vision Improvement Therapy

What is Behavioral Optometry and Vision Improvement Therapy?

 

Sample Chapter on Behavioral Optometry from Alternative Medicine,
The Definitive Guide, by Burton Goldberg (pg 946)

Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide, by Burton Goldberg

Behavioral Optometry

Defined as the art and science of developing visual abilities to achieve optimal visual performance and comfort, behavioral optometry is based on the work of the late A.M. Skeffington, O.D., D.O.S., who believed that vision is learned and can be enhanced through education, training and corrective lenses. Behavioral optometry helps patients recognize old behaviors that interfere with vision-related activities and teaches them new, more effective behaviors by developing the following skills:
  1. Eye movement (ocular motility)
  2. Eye focus
  3. Eye teaming (binocularity)
  4. Peripheral vision
  5. Eye-hand coordination
  6. Visual perception and memory
  7. Information processing
  8. Visualization

Problems in visual tracking can acuity contribute to reading, speaking and writing difficulties. Therefore, when visual skills are improved, learning becomes easier. According to Harold Solan, O.D., Director of the Learning Disabilities Unit at the State University of New York, the proper development of visual perception skills is essential for the formation of reading comprehension and arithmetic skills in the elementary grades. Through the use of appropriate visual testing and training, behavioral optometrists can help children whose problems in reading and math related to poor visual functioning.

Ray Gottlieb, O.D., Ph.D., a behavioral optometrist in Madison, New Jersey, cites the case of a first-grader named Eric. When Eric began working with Dr. Gottlieb, he was lagging far behind his classmates in all subjects. He suffered from poor memory, a short attention span, and a lack of athletic ability. He spent much of the time daydreaming aimlessly with his head flopped backward, his eyes upturned, and his mouth gapping open.

Dr. Gottlieb’s visual examination of Eric revealed poor eye movement skills, faulty eye posturing, and inadequate focusing. After six weeks of working with Dr. Gottlieb, Eric’s vision problems began improving. His teachers reported significant progress in both his learning skills and physical appearance and his athletic ability improved to the point that, in six months, he was playing on both the soccer and basketball teams.

Behavioral optometrists address learning-related visual problems and difficulties with motor coordination, sensory integration, environmental sensitivity and educational dysfunctions as they related to perception. The effects of emotional and psychological factors upon vision are also considered and, with proper training, significant changes in academic, athletic and social/emotional behavior can occur.

 

Behavioral Optometry and Vision Improvement Therapy Books and DVD's

1. Relearning to See, by Thomas Quackenbush

2. Better Eyesight, by William Bates

3. The Bates Method: Better Eyesight Without Glasses, by William H. Bates, M.D.

 

Behavioral Optometry and Vision Improvement Therapy Educational Courses and Seminars

 

Behavioral Optometry and Vision Improvement Therapy Web Sites

 

Behavioral Optometry and Vision Improvement Practitioners

 

 

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