Behavioural Optometry

Behavioural optometry is a holistic approach to the treatment of vision and vision perceptual problems. It is an expanded or "full scope" mode of optometry care whereby the optometrist believes that the way visual information is processed and interpreted is not solely dependent on whether or not your vision is clear.

Consideration is given to several aspects of the visual system before recommending a spectacle prescription or treatment plan. The recommendation will take into account the health and integrity of the visual system. It will also examine other aspects of the visual system such as eye movement control and visual perceptual skills.

For school aged children, visual perceptual assessment helps to determine any areas of delayed development that may be interfering with progress at school.

Recommended treatment may include:

• The prescription of appropriate spectacle lenses and prisms
• Give advice on visual hygiene techniques (postural, reading and work place habits) to prevent or reduce the possibility of eye problems from developing
• A course of vision therapy to enhance and develop visual skills that are poorly or inadequately developed

What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a course or series of activities tailored to each individual. The activities are designed to improve either poorly developed visual, visual motor or visual perceptual skills. The activities can help to develop visual perceptual skills or enhance and build on existing visual skills.

Vision therapy may be used in the treatment of conditions such as:

• Turned Eyes (strabismus)
• Lazy eyes (amblyopia)
• Poor eye movement or focussing skills (visual motor skills)
• Brain injury and stroke
• Specific abilities in sports vision therapy
• Developmental, learning and visual perceptual defects

Adrian Rossiter, one of the directors of EyeQ Optometrists, is a member of the Australian College of Behavioural Optometrists, and is a practicing behavioural optometrist.