Services
Vision Therapy
Vision is a complicated function. We often refer to the term “20/20” to describe good eyesight. But there is much more to it than that. Not only do we have to see what we are looking at, but we also have to track moving objects, or words across a page. Eye-hand coordination plays a big role in our everyday lives with sports, driving, and writing. When the visual system is functioning well, the whole body knows where to look and how to respond to its environment. But often there is an imbalance, and the input coming from the eyes is inaccurate, and results in learning related issues, or struggles with depth perception and motor coordination.

Things that we can help
with Vision Therapy
- myopia control
- reading problems at work/school
- lazy eyes (amblyopia), and eye turns (strabismus)
- eye-hand coordination problems
- laterality issues (mixes up right and left)
- traumatic brain injury/concussion
each assessment includes:
Vision Skills Assessment
The ability to see detail both far and near are assessed, as well as any prescription that may be required to help improve visual clarity. This is where the capacity of seeing “20/20” is determined.
We look to see if there is any myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (an eye that is more oval shaped as opposed to round) that needs to be corrected to improve visual performance.
Eye movement (tracking)
This is the function that allows us to maintain fixation on a target, perform accurate tracking eye movements, and jump from one target to another.
Any imbalance will cause a person to lose their place when reading, become overwhelmed when observing objects in motion, struggle when scanning to look for an item, and reduce overall reading comprehension.
Eye teaming system (aiming)
Vergence is the act of being able to simultaneously turn in (converge) or turn out (diverge) both eyes to align with a particular target, whether it be stationary or in motion.
A deficiency in this ability will be felt as eye fatigue, eye pain, double vision, shadowy vision, and a reduced capacity to maintain visual effort for a prolonged period.
Accommodative system (focussing)
Accommodation is the ability to focus on an object to maintain clarity. The closer the target it, the more accommodation is required. A sub-par performance will result in blurred vision, eyestrain, aching eyes, and difficulties in shifting focus from near to far.
Sensory system (fusion)
The ability to combine the information from both eyes gives us fusion, which leads to proper depth perception. Based on these measurements, we can assess the quality of the binocular vision. It is possible to have binocular vision problems, and be asymptomatic. This is because the brain has learned to suppress (ignore) information from one eye. This will affect depth perception, and cause inefficiencies in the visual system. More effort would then be required to process visual information, which can lead to increase fatigue and strain.
Additional testing,
as required:
- Learning related visual issues
- Strabismus and amblyopia
- Concussion (TBI/ABI)
- Primitive Reflexes
- Syntonics Light Therapy
Additional Testing, Available as needed
Learning related
visual issues
Often when the visual skills cannot keep up with the demands of reading, learning will be affected. This is often seen with children with ADHD, dyslexia, or other processing issues. Once we have completed the visual skills assessment, we also evaluate the mental processing abilities. Tests include the Jordan Left-Right, the Gardner Reversal Frequency Test, the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills, the Developmental Eye Movement Test, the Wold Sentence Copy, the Auditory Visual Integration Test, the Davis Scan test, and the Test of Auditory Analysis Skills.
The initial visit is divided into 2 parts. The Visual Skills are measured by Dr. Lalonde, and the perceptual abilities are completed with one of our therapists. This appointment will last approximately 1.5 hours. Then there is a consultation with both parents approximately 1 week later, to review the results. This will take between 30 minutes to one hour.
Strabismus
and amblyopia
When there is an imbalance in the visual system, compensations such as an eye turn, or a “lazy” eye can occur. To avoid visual confusion, the brain will ignore the weaker or the turned eye. This will affect the ability to properly develop one’s depth perception, and can lead to learning related issues, clumsiness, slow reaction times, poor rhythm, ADD/ADHD, and motion sickness.
Dr. Lalonde will do the full Visual Skills assessment, and one of our therapists will complete the Visual Perceptual testing (as listed in the Learning related visual issues). This visit will be approximately 1.5 hours in length. The consultation to discuss the results is held with both parents, and will take between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Concussion (TBI/ABI)
The visual system is often affected by a brain injury. This is known as Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome (PVTS). Symptoms will include intermittent blur, light sensitivity, having trouble reading, tracking, and retaining information. The balance system can also be affected.
The Neuro-Perceptual assessment is done solely with Dr. Lalonde, and is approximately 1-1.5 hours in length. The Visual Skills will be assessed, as well as tints or prisms that may be of benefit to help with processing and motor issues. Then a consultation is held at a separate visit, and will be 30 minutes to 1 hour in length.
Primitive Reflexes
Primitive reflexes are reflex actions originating in the central nervous system. These are very common in infants, and are “integrated” once they learn how to control their movements consciously. Sometimes, these are still active, and can cause problems as they can trigger certain behaviours. This is seen in learning related cases, with strabismus and amblyopia, and with brain injuries. Dr. Lalonde assesses the following reflexes: Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Spinal Galant, Moro, and the Palmar Reflex. Activities to integrate any active reflexes will be included in the Vision Therapy program. In doing so, the patient will be able to use a higher level of motor control, which will help streamline how well they can use their visual processing system.
Syntonics Light Therapy
Syntonics derives from the word “syntony”, meaning balance. This therapy has been used by optometrists for over 70 years. Light enters the eye, and is then distributed throughout the brain. This can either calm the nervous system, or excite it (fight or flight). Based on our measurements, we use specific wavelengths of light to bring the system back to balance, which then allows for more efficient visual processing. This treatment is used on a case-by-case scenario, which is determined at the initial assessment.
Concussion (TBI/ABI)
The visual system is often affected by a brain injury. This is known as Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome (PVTS). Symptoms will include intermittent blur, light sensitivity, having trouble reading, tracking, and retaining information. The balance system can also be affected.
The Neuro-Perceptual assessment is done solely with Dr. Lalonde, and is approximately 1-1.5 hours in length. The Visual Skills will be assessed, as well as tints or prisms that may be of benefit to help with processing and motor issues. Then a consultation is held at a separate visit, and will be 30 minutes to 1 hour in length.

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Book your assessment
Email Us
info@cardinalvisiondevelopment.com
Call Us
(705) 555-5555
OFfice
Insert Address, Barrie, Ontario L4M 3R1