Page 12 - envision11-2021

Cover Story

V ISION T HER APY

/ Danielle is controlling her focussing system from distance to near and back
again in this the accommodative rock activity using flippers. /

/ Brin is using Visicare cards to work on Skeffington’s identification and centering
circles in an artificially induced environment. Dr. Shirley Ha is shown on the left. /
As she nears the end of her vision correction possible to provide the
rehabilitation, Brin feels hopeful. “I’m 20/20 “static” eyesight with a very basic
okay functionally so it’s just a matter of assessment of binocular vision.”
building up my stamina. I’m optimistic
this will help me live a normal life again.” Functional optometry takes a whole
body or “wholistic” approach, looking
Functional optometry (a.k.a. developmental at the mind-eye connection, dynamic
“ Created by developmental optometry or behavioural and how the person interprets,
optometry, neuro-optometry, neuro- vision, interaction with the environment,
optometry) is nothing new. Created
ophthalmologists by ophthalmologists looking for a understands and manipulates what is
seen. It checks out the rich and intricate
looking for a non-surgical alternative to treat interplay between the two streams of
strabismus, it has existed for over
non-surgical 150 years. Originally, ophthalmologists the visual processes with other sensory,
vestibular (balance) and somatosensory
alternative to treat created a series of visual exercises called systems, and assesses spatial awareness
“orthoptics”, meaning, “straightening
strabismus, it has of eye”. In the mid-twentieth century, a and the efficiency of acquiring and
processing visual information.
existed for over group of optometrists realized that for
vision therapy to work, vision must be
150 years. Originally, viewed as more than a simple mechanical “New patients are initially screened to
ensure that they have an unmet need,”
ophthalmologists neuro-muscular system. They developed says Dr. Ha. “The main purpose of this
and expanded vision therapy into the
created a series visual improvement method it is today. assessment is to rule vision in or out
as being responsible for the reported
of visual exercises Shirley Ha, the Oakville-based optometrist symptoms.”
called “orthoptics”, who worked with Brin Snelling, has Assuming healthy structural integrity,
practiced functional optometry for
meaning, close to 10 years. As one of the founding the “wholistic” approach provides
“functional” solutions for single, clear,
“straightening of members of Vision Therapy Canada comfortable vision that are, “dynamic,
“ of optometry that develops, normalizes, stable without surgical intervention or
functional
says
she
or
(VTC),
eye”. development optometry is, “a tributary flexible, adaptable, efficient and
habilitates, rehabilitates and enhances
the visual processes using neuroscience pharmaceuticals,” she adds.
and neuroplasticity to maximize human Dr. Kristel Jefferies, director of Internal
performance at school, home, work or & External Affairs, VTC, and owner of
play.” Ottawa Valley Vision in Pembroke, ON,
notes that routine eye exams generally
It differs from mainstream optometry, focus specifically on central visual
which is concerned with eye wellness acuity and ocular health. While these two
and 20/20 “eyesight” as opposed to elements are extremely important to

“vision”, she adds. “Traditional assessments an individual’s daily visual functioning,

examine the “eyes in the chair”, ensuring they are only a small part of the visual
the individual does not have structural skills needed to perform daily living
Dr. McKenzie is teaching her to strengthen her eye muscles and understand eye anomalies and giving the best tasks.

/ Holly Stead, 10, of Tottenham, ON, working with Dr. Michelle McKenzie.
depth perception, which will allow her to use her eyes more efficiently. /
10 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2021 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /