Vision Therapy: Evidence, Uses and Limitations

Vision therapy is a broad term for supervised exercises or rehabilitation intended to address a diagnosed visual problem. It should not be presented as a universal way to improve eyesight, reading, cognition or wellbeing. Evidence and appropriate treatment differ by condition.

Diagnosis comes first

Reading difficulty, headaches, coordination problems, blurred vision or symptoms after brain injury can have many causes. A comprehensive eye examination and, where appropriate, medical, neurological, educational or rehabilitation assessment should identify the problem before a programme is proposed.

Where structured therapy may have a role

Selected orthoptic or visual rehabilitation may be used for particular binocular vision, eye movement or neurological problems. Glasses, patching, prisms, medical treatment, surgery, educational support or no treatment may be more appropriate in other cases. Exercises do not reliably remove a need for glasses or treat eye disease.

Questions to ask

• What exact diagnosis is being treated?
• What evidence supports this programme for that diagnosis?
• Who supervises treatment and how is progress measured?
• What are the limits, risks, alternatives, time and cost?
• When should symptoms be referred for medical or neurological assessment?

An individual Revitalize experience

“Vision therapy has been a game-changer for my child, who struggled with reading and coordination issues. The improvements we’ve seen in just a few months have been remarkable.”

This is one individual experience. It does not identify a diagnosis, prove causation or guarantee reading, coordination, timing or outcome for another child.

Revitalize should confirm the currently contracted clinician and facility before any treatment. Use the Revitalize assessment route. General information only.