Comprehensive Vision Therapy In Calgary

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Vision Therapy In Calgary

Your Trusted Vision & Neuro Rehabilitation Therapy Clinic In Calgary

When to seek a comprehensive binocular vision assessment?

Appearance of eyes

Are you, your child, or someone you know experiencing any of these symptoms?

You may have had your eyes examined and you were told you are seeing well and yet you are still experiencing symptoms that are affecting your school work, workplace and quality of life. Here’s a closer look at when you might need a comprehensive binocular vision and learning assessment based on these common indicators:

One eye turns in or out: This could suggest a misalignment or a condition like strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye)
Red eyes or eyelids
Excessive blinking

Complaints After using your Eyes

Headaches or eye strain on the forehead or temple
Burning or itching eyes after reading or writing
Print blurs after reading for a short time: Difficulty maintaining focus on text, blurring or double vision

Behavioral Signs of Vision Problems

Loses place when reading
Rereads or skips lines
Complaints about seeing double or blur
Squints, closes, or covers one eye
Poor handwriting
Confuses left and right directions
Difficulty decoding words
Holds a book/paperwork/screens too close to eyes
Difficulties in spatial areas of mathematics (geometry, fractions, trigonometry
Relying on auditory or tactile cues rather than visual learning
Slow, inaccurate copying from the board

Diagnosed or suspected to have a learning disability or ADD/ADHD

It is important to note if your child has been diagnosed or is being suspected to have ADD/ADHD or dyslexia, a comprehensive binocular vision assessment is critical to rule out if vision is interfering with a child’s learning ability. Many children with these diagnoses also have underlying visual issues that impact their ability to focus, read, and learn effectively. Start with a comprehensive binocular vision assessment to identify any vision-related challenges.

Poor sports performance or enhancing your vision skills

Brain Injuries (Concussions, Strokes, Accidents)

dizziness, eye strain, double vision, difficulty reading or focusing, light sensitivity, and/or balance issues

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend calling us to book in for a comprehensive binocular vision assessment with our Developmental Optometrist and Vision Therapist. If you have already had an eye exam in the past year, you can request your Optometrist to send us your most recent eye exam.

Comprehensive Binocular Vision Assessment

A comprehensive binocular vision assessment is an in-depth evaluation done by our Optometrists who have special interest in neuro-vision development to ensure that your eyes are healthy and that your eyes, body and brain are working well together.
Our holistic approach to examining eyes goes beyond just checking how clearly you see (visual acuity).

What to Expect During Your Binocular Vision Assessment

A thorough evaluation will be done to assess how the eyes, brain and body work together.
These may include, but are not limited to:

Patient History from birth onwards
Visual skills: visual acuity, eye tracking, eye focusing, eye coordination, depth perception, gross and fine visual motor skills, visual integration. visual perception: laterality and directionality, visual discrimination, visual memory, visual spatial relations, form constancy, visual closure, visual sequential memory, and figure ground.
Development: primitive reflexes, balance, posture, head position
Pupillary Response or (Syntonics) Light Therapy Evaluation to assess neurological function, autonomic balance, and potential vision-related disorders.

Depending on what tests are required, plan to be at our office for up to 3 hours.

After the Assessment

Once the evaluation is complete, you will be booked in for a consultation with our developmental Optometrist and vision therapist to go over the results and discuss your treatment plan.

Insurance Information

Please be advised that the costs associated with vision therapy assessments and treatments are not covered by Alberta Health Care. However, you may be eligible for reimbursement through your private health insurance plan. We recommend reviewing your insurance policy or contacting your provider to confirm whether vision therapy services are included under extended health benefits or paramedical coverage.
Please note that we do not offer direct billing for Vision Therapy invoices. Full payment is required at the time of service, and detailed receipts will be provided for your insurance claims.
For individuals who have sustained a concussion or experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are involved in a legal proceeding or personal injury lawsuit, it may be possible for insurance or legal settlements to cover vision therapy services. We encourage you to discuss this with your legal representative and insurance adjuster to explore potential reimbursement options.
If you have further questions about billing or insurance claims, please contact our office for assistance.

Vision and Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements that are present even before we’re born, and they help infants develop the basic motor skills needed for survival. By the time a child is around 1 year old, these reflexes should be fully integrated, meaning they should no longer be active and should give way to more mature, voluntary and purposeful movements. However, if they don’t fully integrate, it can impact visual and motor development.

Research has shown that when primitive reflexes do not integrate as they should, it can create disruptions in vision skills. Retained primitive reflexes can affect one’s eye tracking abilities, visual-motor integration, eye teaming, and development of depth perception. These visual challenges may manifest as difficulties with reading, learning, and other activities requiring coordination and spatial awareness.

Key Reflexes Linked to Vision

In vision therapy, we focus on five primitive reflexes that are closely tied to the visual system:

Moro Reflex
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
Spinal Galant Reflex (SG)
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Symptoms of Retained Primitive Reflexes

If these reflexes don’t integrate, a person might show some of these behaviors orsymptoms:

Hyperactivity
Motion sickness
Poor balance and coordination
Low stamina
Difficulty tracking moving objects with the eyes
Poor hand-eye coordination
Trouble with depth perception
Difficulty catching a ball
Poor handwriting or trouble writing
Trouble concentrating

Why It Matters

When primitive reflexes are not properly integrated, it can affect not only physical movement but also visual skills. Vision therapy can help by addressing these reflexes and improving overall visual and motor skills.

How Does Vision Therapy Help with Primitive Reflexes?

Vision therapy is an effective treatment for individuals whose visual issues are related to retained primitive reflexes. It works by stimulating and retraining the visual system, helping the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. In some cases, vision therapy can also help integrate primitive reflexes by addressing the neural connections involved.

What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy helps individuals understand how their brain controls their eyes, enhancing visual skills and teaching them to apply these improvements in daily life. Our vision therapy program is uniquely designed by our Optometrist and Vision Therapist to meet your specific needs. This individualized program incorporates exercises to strengthen the eye-body-brain connection, supporting overall visual performance.

What to expect

Vision therapy can involve different tools and techniques, such as:

✔ Primitive reflex integration exercises
✔ Gross and Fine motor skill exercises
✔ Monocular and Binocular activities to improve tracking, focusing and eye teaming skills
✔ Use of patch, red/green glasses, lenses, flippers or prisms
✔ Syntonic light therapy
✔ Exercises to improve visual perceptual skills

It typically includes

Weekly In-Office Sessions: These sessions last between 30 to 60 minutes and are one-on-one with your therapist.
Daily Home Practice: Expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes a day doing exercises at home is key to reinforcing the work done in your sessions. The length of a vision therapy program can vary depending on the specific issues being addressed.

Why It Works

The success of your vision therapy program depends on your consistent effort, commitment to in office sessions, daily home exercises and in office progress evaluations.

Personalized Approach
Addresses Underlying Causes
Improves Eye-Brain Connection
Improves Visual Skills
Non-surgical Solution
Improves Overall Quality of Life
Long-Term Results
Better School Performance
Enhanced Sports Performance
Boosting Confidence

Syntonics (Light Therapy)

Syntonics, or Optometric phototherapy, is a type of light therapy used in optometry to treat visual and neurological issues. It has been used for over 70 years and is often combined with vision therapy for better results.
The term “Syntonics” comes from the word “syntony,” which means to bring things into balance. The therapy uses specific light wavelengths to help balance and regulate the body’s visual and neurological systems, improving how the eyes and brain work together.

Common Uses of Syntonics

Syntonics can help treat a variety of conditions, including:

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Convergence and Divergence Issues
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Learning Disorders
Post-Concussion, Stroke or Brain Injury
Sports Vision

How Syntonics Works

Light Filters or Frequencies: Specific light filters or frequencies are selected to either stimulate or relax the visual system.
Balance and Regulation: The goal is to bring the visual and neurological systems back into balance, improving overall visual function and comfort.

Benefits of Syntonics

Non-invasive
Personalized
Enhances Visual Comfort
Supports Vision Therapy

Syntonics is an effective and holistic therapy that improves both vision and brain function. By using light frequencies tailored to each individual, it helps address a range of visual and neurological challenges, leading to better vision and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vision Therapy

Do I need a referral for a vision therapy assessment?

No, a referral is not required. You can contact our office directly to schedule a comprehensive binocular vision assessment. Your primary eye care provider may recommend an evaluation if they identify visual issues that could benefit from vision therapy.

Do I need to submit previous eye exam results or other assessments?

Yes, bringing previous eye exam results or relevant assessments can help provide a more comprehensive understanding of your visual history. This information aids in evaluation and creating a personalized treatment plan.

Do I need to come on a weekly basis for vision therapy?

Yes, weekly in-office sessions are an important part of the therapy process. Each session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. In addition, daily home exercises reinforce the skills practiced during appointments to maximize progress.

When will I start to see improvements from vision therapy?

Many patients notice some improvements within the first few weeks, especially in symptoms like eye strain or tracking issues. However, significant and lasting results often require several months of consistent therapy, depending on the individual’s specific visual needs.

How long is each vision therapy session?

Each in-office session usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the therapy plan and individual progress.

Do I have to do home activities?

Yes, home activities are an essential part of vision therapy. They reinforce the skills developed during in-office sessions and accelerate progress. Most programs recommend 20 to 30 minutes of daily practice for best results

Will my insurance cover vision therapy?

Vision therapy services are typically not covered by Alberta Health Care. However, many private insurance plans offer partial reimbursement under extended health. We recommend reviewing your insurance policy or contacting your provider to confirm eligibility. Payment options are available and will be discussed during your consult or results appointment.

Can vision therapy help with retained primitive reflexes?

Yes. Vision therapy can integrate retained primitive reflexes that affect eye tracking, visual-motor coordination, and depth perception. Addressing these reflexes can enhance overall visual and motor performance.

How does vision therapy help after a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

After a concussion, stroke or TBI, individuals often experience visual issues such as double vision, light sensitivity, dizziness, and difficulty focusing. Vision therapy can retrain the visual system and improve eye-brain communication to reduce symptoms, enhance visual comfort, and restore functional vision. It is a key component of neuro-visual rehabilitation for post-concussion recovery

What is syntonics (light therapy)?

Syntonics, or optometric phototherapy, uses specific light wavelengths to balance the visual and neurological systems. It is effective for conditions like amblyopia, strabismus, post-concussion symptoms, and learning disorders. This non-invasive therapy is often combined with vision therapy for enhanced results.

What is the difference between in-office sessions and computer programs for vision therapy?

In-office sessions are guided by a trained vision therapist or optometrist who customizes exercises in real-time, providing direct feedback and adjusting the therapy based on your progress. These sessions often use specialized equipment and personalized techniques that go beyond what computer programs offer. Computer-based vision therapy programs can be helpful for additional practice at home, but they lack the tailored, hands-on adjustments and comprehensive approach that in-office therapy provides. Combining both can enhance overall effectiveness.

What should I do if my child is diagnosed with ADHD or dyslexia?

If your child has been diagnosed or is being suspected to have ADD/ADHD or dyslexia, a comprehensive binocular vision assessment is critical to rule out if vision is interfering with a child’s learning ability. Many children with these diagnoses also have underlying visual issues that impact their ability to focus, read, and learn effectively. Start with a comprehensive binocular vision assessment to identify any vision-related challenges. Vision therapy can enhance skills like eye tracking, focusing, and visual processing, helping improve learning, confidence, and school performance.

How does vision therapy improve sports performance?

Vision therapy enhances key visual skills like tracking, eye-hand coordination, depth perception, and reaction time —critical for athletic success.

Benefits of Vision Therapy for Sports:
Better Eye-Hand Coordination: Helps with catching, hitting, or throwing.
Improved Depth Perception: Aids in judging distances and timing.
Faster Reaction Time: Speeds up decision-making and responses.
Enhanced Visual Tracking: Follows fast-moving objects smoothly.
Increased Focus: Reduces visual fatigue for sustained performance.
Improved Peripheral Vision

Sports such as hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball, racquetball sports, gymnastics and can greatly benefit from improved visual performance. Contact us to learn how vision therapy can give you a competitive edge.

How much does a vision therapy assessment and session cost?

The cost of a vision therapy assessment depends on the specific tests required. The cost of a vision therapy program varies based on its length and the individual treatment plan.

For personalized pricing or program details, please contact our office.

Is vision therapy scientifically proven?

Yes, research supports the effectiveness of vision therapy for specific conditions like convergence insufficiency, syntonics, and amblyopia. Professional organizations, such as Vision Therapy Canada, COVD, OEPF, NORA, ISVA, AOA, endorse vision therapy as a valid treatment for these and other visual dysfunctions.

Can vision therapy prevent myopia (nearsightedness) progression?

Vision therapy can help manage myopia progression, particularly when combined with lifestyle changes and other treatments like orthokeratology or specialized lenses.

I was advised my eye needs eye surgery to correct eye alignment. Can I still benefit from vision therapy?

Yes, vision therapy can be a great adjective tool to help pre and post-op surgery to help establish improved visual clarity, eye alignment, tracking, focusing, depth perception, and visual perceptual skills. Vision therapy can help to strengthen the eye-body-brain connection.

My child is past the critical age for vision development. Will vision therapy still work?

Yes, vision therapy can be effective at any age. While early intervention is beneficial, the brain maintains neuroplasticity—the ability to adapt and develop new neural connections—throughout life. Conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), convergence insufficiency, and visual processing difficulties can respond well to a customized vision therapy program, regardless of age. Success depends on consistent practice, adherence to the therapy plan, and individual factors, but improvement is possible beyond the so-called “critical period.”

Can adults benefit from vision therapy?

Yes, vision therapy is effective for people of all ages. While it is commonly associated with children, adults with visual issues, such as eye strain, convergence insufficiency, or post-concussion vision problems, can also benefit from customized therapy programs.