vision therapy

JAMES T. VAN CAMP, O.D.
Academy Vision Science Clinic
5955 Lehman Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80918

(719) 598-6000 | Email

Office Hours | Map it

Appointment Reviews

MYTHS ABOUT VISION

MYTH - My child had an "eye exam" by the pediatrician and we were told everything was fine.
- REALITY - Many parents assume incorrectly that the vision screening performed by the pediatrician is the same as an eye exam by an eye care professional, such as an optometrist.
  
  Vision screenings typically only catch a few vision problems, while there are many vision disorders that can interfere with a child’s ability to read and learn that are not caught by vision screenings. And, if one can see the correct letters on the eye chart, parents are told their child sees perfectly, so the incorrect assumption is that the vision is fine.

MYTH - My child passed the vision screening at school so vision isn’t a problem.
- REALITY - If one can see the correct letters on the eye chart, parents are told their child sees perfectly, so the incorrect assumption is that the vision is fine. Vision screenings typically only catch a few vision problems, while there are many vision disorders that can interfere with a child’s ability to read and learn that are not caught by vision screenings.

MYTH - All eye exams are the same
- REALITY - Surprisingly they are not the same. Routine eye exams are designed to check for eye diseases as well as to see if one needs glasses or contacts in order to see the appropriate letters on the eye chart. A Binocular Vision Evaluation is much more in-depth than a regular eye exam. It takes an hour, or more, to test all the visual skills required for reading, learning and performing other activities in our daily lives.

MYTH - My child never complains about having trouble seeing, and can see as good as an eagle when we are outside, how can there be a vision problem?
- REALITY - Children have no idea how they are supposed to see, so they rarely complain. The way they tell is they have trouble seeing is with their behavior. Take a look at our symptom checklist to get a better idea of the different signs of vision problems.

MYTH - We think our kid is just lazy. He’s really bright, but would rather play video games for hours instead of doing his homework or reading. How could he have a vision problem? It doesn’t make sense.
- REALITY - In actual fact, our eyes move a lot when we are reading and they need to move together very precisely. When the eyes don’t work together correctly it can make words harder to see than pictures. Video games are mainly images or pictures, plus the game provides immediate feedback so the child knows when the target has been hit and can adjust where he is aiming as needed. If your child is bright, but struggles to read, call our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Conway.