What is Vision Therapy?
Vision Therapy as described by the American Optometric Association is a series or sequence of neurosensory and neuromuscular activities specifically prescribed for an individual and monitored by a Doctor to develop, rehabilitate and enhance visual skills and visual processing. Office-based vision therapy conducted under the supervision of a highly trained Doctor is the most effective treatment and only evidence-based model of care. Our advanced approach incorporates coordinated movement, balance, auditory processing and cognitive abilities. With this methodology, our Optometrists and Therapists allow our patients to develop and rehabilitate their visual system based on models of neuroscience and perceptual learning. This comprehensive model for treatment is the proven design for consistently good outcomes and improves daily living in the classroom, workplace and in sports.
How are Vision Therapy sessions performed and monitored?
Our program consists of 45-minute weekly sessions targeted at improving the visual concerns found in the original assessment. At each session, our patients will experience a highly personalized approach with each session conducted one on one by a highly trained Therapist under the supervision of our Neuro-Developmental doctors. In addition to the weekly office visits, 20 minutes a day 5 times a week of home activities are provided with weekly follow-up and guidance by the Vision Therapist. At the end of each session the Therapist will go over the home activities with you and your child to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is expected for the week.
Progress evaluations are completed every 3 months and each patient will be seen by their Neuro-Developmental Optometrist for additional testing. The Doctor will assess where the patient is and make any necessary adjustments to the plan to assure each patient’s progress is on track with the end goal of improvement in mind.
Graduation! Once you have completed your program and had your final progress evaluation, the Doctor highly recommends a computerized program to retain the skills you have already learned, will ask you and your child to complete a success story to be shared with future patients, take a picture because we are so proud of your accomplishment and give you a prize for all your hard work!
Retention checks will be scheduled at 3-months, 6-months and 1 year. These visits are vital to the continued success of the program and ensure skills are being maintained.
Will my insurance cover Vision Therapy?
Performance Vision Therapy is a fee-for-service facility that does not participate in third party insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid therefore payment is due at the time of service. Insurance companies limit treatment, care options, and the time physicians can spend with their patients. For this reason, we cannot be participating providers. Since we do not participate with insurance networks, this prohibits our staff and providers from being able to assist with insurance claims. You may choose to file with your medical insurance company using your out of network benefits. If requested, a statement can be provided to you at the end of each billing cycle. It is your responsibility to submit all required documentation to your medical insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Vision therapy is used to treat diagnosed vision conditions. In some cases, vision therapy is the only available and effective treatment option for these conditions. Under all forms of medical insurance plans, you, the consumer and/or patient, have a right to request a review of any service that is denied coverage, or for which coverage is severely limited. If you believe your plan has incorrectly evaluated the claim for coverage, acted arbitrarily, or discriminated unfairly in determining coverage, you should seriously consider requesting a review.
Who can benefit from vision therapy?
Success in vision therapy can be achieved at any age! Children are in critical years of development and as such, results can be achieved more quickly and in greater degrees. However, adults can experience relief and benefit through therapy with perseverance and motivation.
In the 21st century, there are high demands for eyes. Many adults and children constantly use their near vision at work, school, and home. Environmental stresses can also induce blurred vision, eye strain, headaches and more all from stress-related visual problems.
Vision Therapy is also extremely beneficial for anyone diagnosed with:
Learning Disabilities – Per the National Library of Medicine, children with specific learning disorders have a high probability of Binocular Vision disorder which therapy is indicated as an effective treatment.
ADHD – It can be an alternative or adjunct to medication, biofeedback, or behavior modification if diagnosed or suspected
Autism – Therapy can improve social and commutative skills
Down Syndrome – Due to the effects of the eye’s development, function vision difficulties are common
Cerebral Palsy – Over half of the children diagnosed with cerebral palsy have eyes that noticeably cross, drift or wander
Traumatic Brain Injury – Any head injury can cause a disruption in the visual system
Concussion – Research shows that 82% of concussion patients received an oculomotor dysfunction diagnosis
Stroke – About 1/3 of patients experience visual field loss, lack of eye control, unsteady eye movements or visual neglect
Vision therapy is for anyone who wishes to improve their visual skills and visual processing abilities.