Are the vision therapists trained?
Our vision therapists work closely in with our optometrists and have been trained by our optometrist (Lisa Bakker). This training is ongoing and Lisa continues education in the area of visual development. Although Lisa has been doing Vision Therapy for 21 years, new techniques and ideas are discovered and through the continued learning the very best can be offered. Charlotte, our current vision therapist, has obtained her accreditations in vision therapy through ACBO and is continuously developing and improving vision therapy activities and homework exercises to allow your child to get the most out of vision therapy.
Does my child need to wear anything in particular?
It is advisable to wear something which can easily be moved in which allows your child also to get on the floor for activities easily. (Preferably no dresses or skirts)
What is actually happening in the vision therapy room?
While one of our vision therapists has your child they will go through activities designed to help your child in the visual areas which our optometrists has identified as areas needing improvement. These activities involve various lenses and prisms and other equipment aimed at helping your child control where and how they focus and to prompt visual development that may not have naturally occurred.
How does vision therapy actually help?
Vision therapy aids the eyes by encouraging visual development and control. The goal is that the eyes can see and change focus and follow across a page so easily that visual memory improves.
Do we need to bring anything to vision therapy?
If your child wears glasses please bring these along to each session. Also, after the first week the vision therapist may ask you to bring in extra items ie. Spelling words or to bring back items from homework. Any reading books or spelling words from school allow us to tailor each session even better.
So if I don’t come in, when am I needed?
Near the end of the session our vision therapist will come out and collect you so that they can go over how the session went and what is for homework that week.
How often do I do the homework set?
We understand that there are other commitments within the family and therefore ask you to do it as much as possible. The more you are able to do it the better. Even twenty minutes a day is great. (Think of it like gym work – no one gets fit in 5 hours of gym, but large improvements can be made with 20-30 minutes each day). We recommend though 5 days a week.
What if I have problems completely understanding the homework once home?
Feel free to call and ask any questions. If the receptionist on the phone is unable to answer your questions, we will return your call once it is known or when a vision therapist or optometrist is free.
How often do I do the homework set?
We understand that there are other commitments within the family and therefore ask you to do it as much as possible. The more you are able to do it the better. Even twenty minutes a day is great. (Think of it like gym work – no one gets fit in 5 hours of gym, but large improvements can be made with 20-30 minutes each day). We recommend though 5 days a week.
What happens once the 9 sessions are over?
After the 9 sessions there is a four weeks gap where you may be asked to continue some activities or this is a time of rest. At the fourth week we will see you again for an appointment with the optometrist where progress made will be assessed. This is charged at the normal price and the Medicare rebate will be done.
What to expect on the first day:
Once you have arrived you may have to wait a short while until our vision therapist is ready. Once they are, they will come and introduce themselves and let you know what will be happening. While the vision therapy is happening you are able to stay and wait or you can leave and come back in time for the end. However, 10-15 minutes before the end our vision therapist will come and get you so that we can go through how things went and what is for homework that week. This is a time also where you are able to ask any questions you may have.
