Behavioural Optometry

The function of our eyes is to collect information. In order to do this efficiently we need to be able to see well in the distance and at near. We must be able to change focus efficiently from distance and near and back again.

We also must have good eye movements so we can get our eyes pointed at what we are obtaining information from and then be able to track this object. One in three children has problems in one or more of these areas that could impact on their learning.

Our initial consultation assesses a patient’s ability to collect visual information as well as assessing their ocular health. Spectacles or exercises are given to correct vision. This consultation is covered by Medicare.

Visual Processing:

Once we have collected visual information this information is processed in our brain we then send this information to multiple sites.

We call this visual processing.

  • To copy information from a blackboard we require good visual motorintegration – sending information from our eyes to our hands.
  • To understand what we see we require good visual perception
  • To remember what we read we need good visual memory
  • To sound out words we require information to be sent from our eyes to our ears. We call this visual auditory integration. These are but a few of the skills required to process visual information. These perceptual skills can influence a child’s reading and learning abilities.

If your child is having problems coping in the classroom talk to us about having an assessment of their visual processing.