Optometric Vision Therapy

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Optometric Vision Therapy

Question:

Do you have any information on the use and success of neuro-optometric rehabilitation/optometric vision therapy?

Answer:

I have been following this subject closely. I have heard of many therapies proposed by "neuro-optometrists."

In general, optometric vision therapy consists of a program of specific eye exercises performed under the supervision of an optometrist.

Those who practice optometric vision therapy often call it "a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain." Proponents say that it may help people with certain visual problems such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, and double vision. There are also claims that the therapy improves performance in people with learning and reading disorders that are related to visual problems.

My concern is that the proponents of these therapies seem reluctant to have these therapies judged in the court of scientific opinion.

Remember that people with a stable illness often improve over time regardless of what is done. Also, repeated testing usually shows improvement as the tested person becomes more familiar with the test. A hallmark of bogus therapy is the frequency of office visits needed to carry out the therapy.

Don Bienfang, M.D, is an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and the Senior Surgeon in the Department of Surgery and Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology in the Department of Neurology at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009