What is Behavioural Optometry?
Defining Behavioural Optometry fundamentally involves understanding the difference between Vision and Sight. Traditional Optometry is more involved with sight and the functionality of our eyes, whilst Behavioural Optometry is more focused on Vision. Having good vision is commonly measured as being 20/20 - whilst this is an important measurement, it is simply the ability to see fine detail in the distance, it is by no means a guarantee that a person can read. Reading requires good Vision.
Vision is Motor - vision creates a three dimensional reality that can be used to plan motor activities that interact with our environment. Vision is about the brain, experiences and processing. Vision is a learnt process, and we can continue to learn by being provided with an environment that triggers key developmental processes in the correct order. A child with limited environmental experiences is far more likely to show abnormal development of vision. Abnormal development in vision may result in a learning delay that is not a result of reduced intelligence but of under developed vision.
How do Behavioural Optometrists treat vision?
Behavioural Optometrists use a variety of tools and modalities when treating a patient's vision. These include lenses to modify the sensory input from eyesight, gross motor activities to assist with the integration of body knowledge with other senses, especially eyesight, and eye exercises that are specifically designed to encourage awareness of how information enters the visual system as well as an awareness of the visual motor systems. Gross motor activities and eye exercises are typically delivered by a trained and accredited vision therapist in weekly/fortnightly sessions in the practice. To learn more about our the Vision Therapy program offered at Focus on Laurimar, please click here.
To find out more about Behavioural Optometry please visit the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists website.
Source: Australasian College of Behavioural Optometry
