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.

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.

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.

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.