Behavioural optometry is an expanded area of optometric practice. When you visit a behavioural optometrist, you may notice a difference in the examination. You are treated as a whole person and your visual problem as a part of the whole system - an holistic approach to vision care is taken. The optometrist works with you and your children, rather than doing something to you. You will receive the clinical guidance you need to develop the skills that provide for an efficient visual system.

Your visual system brings you much information about your world. When you look at something, you don't just "see" with your eyes; you inspect, discriminate, identify and interpret. The visual process is for the acquisition and processing of information, and for directing action. Eyes don't tell people what to see, people tell eyes what to look for.

The vision development process is a complex interaction of growth, experiences, learning and practice and often is overlooked because of a lack of understanding as to what constitutes a vision problem and how this differs from an eye problem. The behavioural optometrist is interested in the status of vision development, as well as the presence, absence, or future possibility of detrimental eye problems.

Who Needs a Behavioural Optometrist?

Behavioural vision care is useful to virtually all patients. However, the following individuals will especially benefit:

• Children of all ages, but especially children just starting school.

• Children who are having trouble with reading and learning

• Children who seem to be uncoordinated in visually demanding sports.

• Children who are considered "behavioural problems."

• Children who are reading "below their potential."

• Anyone who participates in sports and wants improved performance.

• Anyone who works at a computer.

• Anyone who has a visually demanding job.

• Anyone who suffers from burning, itchy eyes, eye strain or visual fatigue (with no medical eye problem).

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Last modified: December 01, 2008