Vision therapy is a tailored programme of eye exercises and visual tasks designed to improve how the eyes work together. It is usually guided by an optometrist or orthoptist.
Who may benefit from vision therapy
The approach focuses on coordination and comfort rather than simply changing glasses strength. It can be helpful in certain binocular vision problems, especially in children.
- Convergence insufficiency, where eyes struggle to turn in for near tasks.
- Some types of intermittent squint or eye strain linked with close work.
- Visual processing difficulties that affect reading speed or attention.
- Recovery support after some brain or eye injuries.
- Therapy is usually combined with appropriate glasses or contact lenses.
What treatment involves
Programmes are often a mix of clinic visits and home exercises. Progress depends on regular practice and good communication between family and clinician.
- Sessions may include tracking games, 3D images, and focusing tasks.
- Parents are shown how to support younger children with home activities.
- Most programmes run for weeks to months, with reviews to measure change.
- Therapy should be comfortable; new headaches or double vision must be reported.
- Not every condition responds, so goals and limits are discussed beforehand.
