WHAT IS VISION THERAPY
Vision therapy is a customized and non-surgical treatment regimen designed to correct vision problems and improve visual skills. Unlike glasses and contact lenses, which compensate for vision issues, vision therapy aims to teach the visual system to correct itself. It involves a series of personalized activities and exercises under the supervision of a specialized optometrist. Vision therapy can be effective for resolving a variety of common visual problems such as double vision, crossed eyes, lazy eye, and challenges related to visual perception and processing.
At Vivid Visions Optometry, Inc, our approach is centered around a thorough assessment of your visual needs and designing a program that targets those specific areas requiring improvement. Our goal is to enhance your visual comfort, ease, and efficiency through a tailored treatment plan which may include the use of lenses, prisms, filters, specialized instruments, and computer programs. Each session is designed to progressively challenge your vision in a supportive and controlled environment, helping you achieve lasting results.
WHO NEEDS VISION THERAPY
Learning-Related Visual Problems
Students of all ages may struggle with visual skills deficiencies that impact their learning abilities. Issues such as poor eye teaming, focusing, tracking, and visualization skills are often linked to academic challenges. Vision therapy is an effective method for improving these essential visual skills, thereby enhancing the ability to learn and process information more effectively.
Neurological and Trauma-Related Visual Problems
Individuals who have suffered neurological issues, including those resulting from a stroke, brain injury, whiplash, concussion, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis, may experience visual skill deficiencies. Vision therapy offers a non-surgical approach to rehabilitate and improve visual function, helping patients regain better control over their visual processing abilities.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) and Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Strabismus (commonly known as crossed eyes) and amblyopia (often referred to as lazy eye) are conditions that can often be effectively managed with vision therapy. This therapeutic approach can be a viable alternative to surgery, offering benefits to individuals of any age.
Developmental Delays
Children with developmental delays may also face challenges with visual skill development. Vision therapy can assist in improving these visual skills, aiding in overall developmental progress.
Stress-Induced Vision Problems
Both children and adults who engage in extensive near work, such as using computers and other digital devices, can experience symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and other vision-related issues. Vision therapy has been shown to alleviate and manage these symptoms caused by visual stress.
Enhancement of Sports Vision
Athletes, even those with excellent vision, might struggle with specific visual skills such as hand-eye coordination, visual reaction time, peripheral awareness, eye teaming, focusing, tracking, and visualization. Vision therapy can enhance these skills, leading to improved sports performance.
Each of these conditions and circumstances demonstrates how vision therapy can serve as a pivotal component in managing and enhancing visual skills across a spectrum of needs.
GOALS OF VISION THERAPY
When the eyes move, align, fixate, and focus together, whole new possibilities arise for the future. With successful treatment, patients may find that learning becomes easier, reading level and speed increase, time spent on homework decreases, the ability to follow moving objects improves, seeing objects nearby or at a distance improves, visualizing mental images becomes easier, grades in multiple subjects improve, self-confidence improves, and happiness follows. The rate at which patients experience these improvements will vary but general progression is seen in all patients.Vision therapy is designed to enhance the coordination and functionality of the eyes, unlocking significant improvements in visual processing and overall quality of life. When the eyes move, align, fixate, and focus in unison, it opens up a realm of new possibilities for patients of all ages.
Key Benefits of Successful Therapy Include:
Enhanced Learning Abilities: Patients often find that learning becomes more accessible, which can lead to increased academic performance.
Improved Reading Skills: An increase in reading level and speed, along with a reduction in the time spent on homework, are common outcomes.
Better Sports Performance: Improved ability to track and follow moving objects can enhance sports performance.
Greater Visual Range: Seeing objects clearly both nearby and at a distance can significantly improve day-to-day functioning.
Improved Visualization: The ability to visualize mental images becomes easier, aiding in both academic and personal activities.
Academic Improvement: Grades across multiple subjects can improve as visual processing becomes more efficient.
Increased Self-confidence and Happiness: As visual skills improve, so too does self-confidence, often leading to increased overall happiness.
While the rate of improvement can vary from one patient to another, general progression is typically observed in all cases. Our goal is to support each patient through their unique journey, ensuring they receive the full benefits of vision therapy tailored to their specific needs.
EXPECTATIONS OF VISION THERAPY
Vision therapy is a commitment to improving visual function through structured, personalized exercises and treatments. Patients should expect to attend regular sessions, typically ranging from once to several times a week, depending on their specific condition and therapy goals. Outside of these sessions, at-home exercises are often prescribed to reinforce learning and accelerate progress. Success in vision therapy requires consistent effort and engagement from the patient.
While many patients experience significant improvements in their visual abilities, it is important to understand that each individual’s response to therapy can vary. Factors such as age, the severity of the visual condition, and consistency in participation can influence outcomes. The therapy process is progressive and incremental, with continuous assessments to ensure adaptations and refinements are made to meet evolving patient needs.
RISKS OF VISION THERAPY
Vision therapy is a generally safe practice with minimal risks. However, like any therapeutic intervention, there can be uncommon side effects, including temporary eyestrain, headaches, or dizziness during the initial adjustment period to new exercises or visual tasks. These symptoms typically diminish as the patient acclimates to their therapy regimen.
It is crucial for patients to communicate openly with their therapist about any discomfort experienced during or after sessions to promptly address potential concerns. Our primary aim is to ensure a comfortable and effective therapeutic experience, fostering significant and lasting improvements in visual function.
By setting realistic expectations and understanding the potential risks, patients can engage in vision therapy with a clear perspective on what the process involves and the benefits it aims to provide.
APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING AND CANCELLATIONS
At Vivid Visions Optometry, Inc., maintaining a consistent schedule of weekly appointments and daily in-home training sessions is essential for the success of your vision therapy program. Our programs are carefully structured within specific timelines to maximize therapeutic outcomes.
Scheduling Policy:
- The number of scheduled therapy sessions is directly dependent on the number of sessions prepaid by the patient. Each session must be utilized within the timeframe of the paid program.
- Upon submitting payment, patients will have their weekly therapy sessions scheduled. It is recommended to keep the same weekly time slot throughout the treatment to enhance the effectiveness of the therapy. Please be aware that no therapy sessions will be scheduled without prior submission of payment. This policy ensures that all sessions are adequately prepared and reserved, facilitating a consistent and effective treatment schedule.
- To accommodate your needs and ensure effective scheduling, we require at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
- We strive to reschedule your appointment within the same week of the original date whenever possible. If rescheduling within the same week is not feasible, or in the event of a no-show, the fee for that week’s session will be forfeited, and no refund will be provided.
- Repeatedly missing appointments or failing to provide notice for two consecutive appointments may result in dismissal from the program without a refund.
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT
Each patient’s therapy is meticulously planned and prepared, including the time reserved specifically for your in-office visits. Given the limited availability and personalized nature of our services, it is essential that we enforce a strict cancellation policy to ensure that we can serve all our patients effectively. Please be aware that there will be NO REFUNDS issued once PAYMENT is submitted and THERAPY APPOINTMENTS are scheduled.
Please note, Vivid Visions Optometry, Inc. does not process insurance claims for vision therapy sessions directly. However, upon request, we will provide you with the necessary diagnostic and procedure codes, as well as an itemized receipt for your payments, so you may submit a claim to your insurance provider independently.
VISUAL TRAINING EQUIPMENT
During your vision therapy program at Vivid Visions Optometry, Inc., various specialized equipment will be necessary for completing prescribed in-home exercises. Some of this equipment must be purchased, with payment due on the first day of your therapy session, while other items may be borrowed against a specified refundable deposit. This equipment not only facilitates effective therapy but also remains useful for refresher exercises after the program's completion. If you opt to return the borrowed equipment in good condition, a partial refund of the deposit will be provided. However, no refund will be issued for equipment that is lost, broken, or worn beyond usefulness. Proper care and adherence to usage guidelines are essential to maintain the equipment’s efficacy and longevity.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AUTHORIZATION
Consent for Treatment
I/We, the undersigned, hereby request and authorize Vivid Visions Optometry, Inc. to perform necessary medical examinations, diagnoses, or treatments deemed advisable during my/our appointments. This includes the use of all types of binocular vision and vision therapy equipment to diagnose and treat any visual deficits. I/We understand that there may be transient and temporary side effects, including headaches, eye strain, nausea, dizziness, and blurry vision during and after both assessment and treatment sessions. It is recognized that the benefits, effectiveness, risks, or side effects of treatment vary with each patient and that extended therapy may be necessary to improve visual symptoms. Furthermore, it is understood that no medical treatment can guarantee 100% effectiveness.
Ongoing Authorization
This authorization is provided in advance of any specific diagnosis or treatment and will remain effective indefinitely, unless terminated earlier in writing.
Financial Responsibility
I acknowledge that I am fully aware of the purpose and pricing of the services offered. I am legally responsible for all charges incurred in connection with the care and treatment provided by the optometrists of Vivid Visions Optometry, Inc. I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to all the policies and agreements outlined in this document.
No Refund Policy
I understand and accept that there will be no refunds issued due to scheduling conflicts as per the financial agreement stated previously.