Optometric care of the struggling student

The American Academy of Optometry has issued a position paper on the connection between vision and learning.  There is a large body of scientific evidence on the connection between vision and learning and how vision therapy treatment of eye movement and eye teaming disorders can improve academic behaviours.  A discussion of the research and reference to scientific studies is available here.

However, the position paper summaries some key studies in easy to understand language.  The summary provided at the end of the position paper states the following:

In summary, recent research has clearly shown that problems in eye focusing and eye teaming are common in students and should be evaluated, especially in children who are struggling in school. If a problem is found, then effective treatment should be prescribed. Timely identification and treatment of eye focusing and teaming problems can remove a potential obstacle that may restrict a child from performing at his or her full potential.