computerized vision therapy

We just recently had our daughter tested for vision and she has problems with convergence, changing her focal point easily, and sustaining her focus (explains a LOT about the kinds of mistakes she makes while reading and why she hates to read so much)

This web site has some information about vision therapy, and also can be used to find a doctor who does this type of therapy in your area: http://www.visionhelp.com

My daughter has had 3 vision therapy sessions now. She goes into the optometrists office twice a week (1 hr each time) and does a variety of excercises sometimes while wearing prism glasses. She also gets homework - so far that has included tracking a flashlight beam (we both hold flashlights, her beam has to always touch mine as I move mine around), shifting focus between a letter sheet taped to the wall and a reduced one held at arms length, and keeping a balloon in the air.. It was obviously hard for her to do the shifting focus work (this is done with an eye patch too).

So far our optometrist hasn’t mentioned home computer work.

Apparently vision therapy is a little controversial but there are some publications in the professional literature that indicate it does work (at least for some kids) and there are a lot of antecdotal stories suggesting it does work.

Hope this helps..
Kim

Someone else on this board tried that but I never heard how it went. My son hated to read too. After 12 weeks of vision therapy he loved to read. We have been in vision therapy for almost 6 months and it has helped him in many areas.

We do a lot of exercises designed to strengthen his tracking muscles and his focusing. They really worked.
I would try the computer program for awhile and if it doesn’t work you might have to go elsewhere. I know it is really frustrating. I have been taken before by those with promises of help. As parents who just want to help our children, we are so vulnerable.
I am sorry I can’t be of more help.

My son is currently doing VT once a week . The doc also suggested we get this software to complement what they do in the office. It is very similar to what he does with the doctor, so I think if you are willing to give VT a shot than this software is a pretty inexpensive way to try it. I also know that 2 of the exercises are specifically about convergence/divergence and that my son has been making progress with this.

Thanks for the responses. I called the manufacturer of the software, and he said that it mimics the exercises done in the office. My son’s done it three times now, and hates every minute of it. We will stick with it, because vision therapy is our last hope in our attempts to make reading enjoyable for him. I heard there was a book that discussed vision therapy exercises in detail. Does anyone know the name of it?

:idea: This program is a Drug-Free, Physiologically-based remediation program to help children and adults with learning disabilities

Dore Achievement Centers
www.dorecenters.com
1-866-784-4377
[email protected]

My son’s first go around with vision therapy was once a week in the office. Several years later with a doctor who had made him himself very knowledgable about learning disabilities he did the HTS home version. It was a lot of work and more intensive than what he got at the office. So, I do think you have a reasonable vision therapy program in the convenience of your home.

Thanks for the encouragement. Did you see real benefits for your child. My child hates doing the program, so I need to believe it’s worthwhile.

My son hated HTS too and like you I felt they must be exercises he needs if they are that hard. He really should have continued longer, I don’t remember how many days he actually did, quite a few, but the optomtrist wanted him to continue. We had good intentions, but did not do much more. That was two years ago. I no longer feel that there is much of a visual component interfering with his reading. He seems to be tracking well and keeping his place. I am glad he had some vision therapy.

I know there’s a few books. The one I own is Developing Your Child for Success by Dr. Kenneth Lane. I like it! It contains a slew of exercises and seems to be very good at explaining them.

is “Eyes on Track”. Website is http://www.eyesontrack.com . Amazon might have it too. Haven’t seen this book myself, but have heard it is good.

Nancy