The Importance of Functional Vision in Learning
Functional vision goes beyond the simple ability to see clearly. It encompasses a range of skills that are crucial for effective learning, such as eye teaming, focusing, and tracking. Dr. Chalet explains that vision is not just about the eyes but involves the brain and the entire body in processing visual information. This holistic approach to vision is essential for tasks like reading, writing, and even copying from a board, which are fundamental in a school setting.
Understanding Functional Vision and Its Impact on Learning
For many parents, the journey of understanding their child’s learning challenges can be complex and often confusing. A common misconception is that all learning difficulties stem from well-known conditions like dyslexia. However, as highlighted in a recent discussion with Dr. Justin Chalet, an optometrist specializing in vision therapy, many children’s struggles may actually be linked to visual processing and functional vision issues. This article aims to shed light on how these vision-related challenges can affect learning and what parents can do to support their children.
Common Misdiagnoses and the Role of Regular Optometrists
Many parents turn to regular optometrists when their child struggles in school, hoping to rule out vision issues. However, Dr. Chalet points out that standard eye exams often focus on distance vision and eye health, missing out on the broader spectrum of functional vision skills. These exams, typically lasting 8 to 15 minutes, may not be comprehensive enough to identify issues like poor eye teaming or tracking, which can significantly impact a child’s academic performance.
Author Quote
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Vision, the purpose of vision, is to guide and direct action. What the eyes do is they take light, they turn light into meaningful action. – Dr. Justin Chalet
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The Science Behind Vision and Learning
Understanding the science of vision can help parents better grasp why their child might be struggling. Vision is about guiding and directing action, and it starts with locating an object before identifying it. For example, when a child looks from their desk to the board, they must accurately shift their focus and locate the information they need to copy. If their eyes struggle to converge or diverge properly, this simple task can become a significant challenge, leading to errors and frustration.
Key Takeaways:
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Explore Functional Vision Issues: If your child is struggling in school, consider that the issue might not be a traditional learning disability like dyslexia, but could be related to functional vision problems. Functional vision involves more than just seeing clearly; it encompasses how the brain processes visual information, which is crucial for reading and learning. A specialized evaluation by an optometrist who focuses on vision therapy can help identify if eye movement issues or visual thinking skills are impacting your child's academic performance.
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Understand the Limitations of Standard Eye Exams: Be aware that a standard eye exam, which often lasts only 8 to 15 minutes, may not detect all vision-related learning challenges. These exams typically focus on distance vision and eye health, potentially missing issues with eye teaming, focusing, tracking, and visual thinking skills that are essential for efficient reading and learning. If your child's regular optometrist gives them a clean bill of health, but they continue to struggle, seek a more comprehensive vision evaluation.
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Vision Therapy as a Solution: If a functional vision issue is identified, vision therapy can be an effective intervention. Vision therapy teaches children how to improve their visual skills, much like learning to ride a bike. Through targeted exercises and activities, children can enhance their eye movements, focusing abilities, and visual processing, which can lead to better academic performance and confidence. This therapy is not just a fix but a way to equip your child with lifelong skills to navigate their visual world more effectively.
Addressing Visual Processing Challenges
Visual Processing is a critical aspect of functional vision that can affect a child’s ability to interpret and understand visual information. Children with visual processing issues might struggle with tasks that require them to recognize patterns or understand spatial relationships. These challenges can manifest as difficulties in reading, writing, and even in sports, where quick and accurate visual processing is essential.
Author Quote
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The brain is a very plastic, it’s like Play-Doh. You can change it all throughout your life, and you’re just reinforcing all the networks that are upstairs inside the brain to do things in a more efficient, more effortless, more accurate manner. – Dr. Justin Chalet
”Enhancing Visual Discrimination Skills
Another key area is Visual Discrimination, which involves the ability to distinguish between similar objects or symbols. This skill is crucial for reading and writing, as it helps children differentiate between letters and words. Poor visual discrimination can lead to confusion between similar-looking letters, such as ‘b’ and ‘d’, which can hinder reading fluency and comprehension. Vision therapy can help improve these skills, enabling children to better process and interpret visual information.
If your child is struggling in school, consider the Brain Bloom System, which can help address vision-related learning challenges. Learn more at Brain Bloom System.
