Author: Avner Engel based on an interview with Dr. Rick Graebe, FCOVD
When it comes to reading and learning, most parents and educators think about intelligence, focus, or perhaps learning disabilities. But did you know that vision plays a crucial role in your child’s ability to read and comprehend? At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles, KY, we understand that great eyesight doesn’t always equal great vision.
The Hidden Role of Vision in Reading Reading isn’t just about seeing clearly. In fact, there are 17 different visual skills required for effective reading. From focusing and tracking to the ability to visualize words and comprehend them, these skills must work together seamlessly. When they don’t, a child may struggle to read fluently or understand what they’ve read.
For example, the macula, the part of the eye responsible for 20/20 vision, is no bigger than the tip of a ballpoint pen. It’s incredible that such a small part of the eye can perform such a precise task as focusing on letters on a page. When your child’s eyes are working properly, reading can feel as effortless as watching a movie. However, if their visual skills are underdeveloped, they might struggle to move their eyes across the page, decode words, or retain information, leading to poor comprehension.
How We Can Help Improve Visual Skills At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, we offer specialized tests that go beyond the typical eye exam. We assess how your child’s eyes move, track, and focus on text. We can even demonstrate in real-time how well their eyes are working together as they read a paragraph. These tests help us pinpoint the exact areas where your child might be struggling.
Once we identify the problem, we use vision therapy to train and improve these skills. The most exciting part? Once these skills are learned, they stay with your child for life. Just like learning to walk or talk, these visual pathways are permanently etched into the brain.
Consider the case of a young girl from Danville, KY, who came to our clinic labeled as dyslexic. After a thorough vision assessment, we discovered that her reading issues were due to underdeveloped visual skills. Through targeted vision therapy, she was able to improve her reading ability dramatically, which led to a renewed confidence in the classroom.
Schedule a Comprehensive Vision Evaluation in Versailles, KY If your child is struggling with reading, it’s worth considering whether vision issues might be the cause. At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe, FCOVD is dedicated to helping children in Versailles, Lexington, and beyond reach their full potential through improved visual skills. Don’t let an undiagnosed vision problem hold your child back. Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule a comprehensive vision evaluation.
