OT Vision Program

WHAT DOES VISION DYSFUNCTION LOOK LIKE IN CHILDREN?

 

• Has a Neurodevelopmental diagnosis (Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc.) or Down Syndrome

• Difficulty learning to read and write or avoidance to participate in reading and writing activities

• Seems sensitive to light (likes wearing sunglasses inside)

• Observations of eye fatigue following vision activities (rubbing eyes, watering eyes, dry/red eyes, etc.)

• Appears restless during table-work and/or poor concentration

• Frequently moving and/or appears to constantly be on the go

• Frequent complaints of headaches

• Car sickness

• Squints or covers one eye during reading/writing tasks or during electronic use

• Tilts head and/or body when reading, writing, coloring, etc.

• Visual motor challenges on age-appropriate tasks (difficulty coloring in the lines, copying a pattern, using scissors, etc.)

• Appears clumsy (bumps into structures or frequently trips)

• Displays poor personal space

• Demonstrates poor/weak posture

• Poor eye-hand coordination on age-appropriate activities

• Cannot ride a two-wheeled bike

• Difficulty identifying left and right

 

If a number of these apply to your child, give us a call or talk with your child’s current therapist about scheduling a FREE screening with our Functional Vision Specialist!

 

WHAT IS THE OT's ROLE IN TREATING VISION DYSFUNCTION?

 

Occupational therapy’s role in vision is to look beyond visual clarity (20/20 eyesight) to further understand how a child’s functional vision may impact their academic outcomes and contribute to undesired emotional-behavioral responses in daily life. In collaboration with the child's eye care professional, the specially trained occupational therapist (ie. "Functional Vision Specialist") develops an individualized treatment plan that aims to promote functional independence and participation in daily activities. Functional Vision Specialists at HLC Therapy Group utilize a multi-sensory, holistic approach that is unique to the field of occupational therapy and is different from traditional 'vision therapy' programs, to further progress clients towards meeting their functional therapy goals. 

 

DOES HLC OFFER VISION THERAPY SERVICES? NO!

 

HLC's Functional Vision Specialists offer an innovative approach for treating vision dysfunction within the scope of occupational therapy practice. Although the focus of treatment is similar, the OT-Vision program at HLC is NOT to be confused with traditional 'Vision Therapy' programs offered solely by the field of Optometry. However, the OT-Vision program places a high importance on collaboration with the Optometry community to ensure effective and ethical intervention for vision dysfunction.