Frequently Asked Questions

Read a comprehensive list of FAQs about vision therapy at the Optometrists Network website. Dr. Paul Harris who is a developmental optometrist in Maryland and a veteran in the field also has a great FAQ sheet for parents and educators.

Q. How does vision therapy work?
A. It is a step-by-step-by-step process.
The first part is to have a routine eye exam. Vision means so much more than eyesight. 20/20 is simply the ability to see at one distance. Beyond 20/20 is the ability to control eye movements, to avoid double vision, to focus over a period of time, and to focus closely for reading and studying. All of these areas will be considered during a routine eye examination. In some cases, we find that a child simply needs a pair of glasses.

Q. How does vision therapy work?
A. It is a step-by-step-by-step process.
The first part is to have a routine eye exam. Vision means so much more than eyesight. 20/20 is simply the ability to see at one distance. Beyond 20/20 is the ability to control eye movements, to avoid double vision, to focus over a period of time, and to focus closely for reading and studying. All of these areas will be considered during a routine eye examination. In some cases, we find that a child simply needs a pair of glasses.

Next, a vision therapy evaluation will be performed based on the initial vision examination finding that your child has a vision problem that cannot be successfully treated with glasses. We are able to treat all areas that we test. The evaluation will take approximately 90 minutes and will consist of the following: Oculomotor Dysfunction, Reversal Frequency, Visualization, Visual Motor Integration and Visual Memory.

Lastly, the vision therapy evaluation includes a consultation to review the test results with both parents to design an individualized program of therapy. This consultation is normally scheduled a week after the vision therapy evaluation takes place.

Q. How long does vision therapy take?
A. Each vision therapy program is customized to that particular patient’s needs. Most therapy programs are either approximately 25 weeks or 36 weeks.

The patient will have a one-on-one session with a therapist in our office one hour each week. The patient will be assigned homework to be done four times between sessions.

Q. Why is homework assigned?
A. Home activities are assigned at most therapy sessions. Parents are taught to direct home sessions and are asked to make sure the work is done. Home activities can shorten the duration of therapy and produce enhanced results.

Q. Why is vision therapy so costly?
A. There are many variable costs included in our therapy sessions.
Therapy costs depend on each individual patient's therapy treatment and services included in each session. Please review our pie chart of cost factors included in our vision therapy sessions.