Vision Therapy

Like physical therapy for the eyes and brain.

Vision therapy is a doctor-supervised program designed to correct many common visual disorders and/or improve visual skills.

It's especially useful for treating vision problems that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or surgery alone.

Book an appointment at Vision Source Eyecare to learn more about vision therapy and whether it's a good option for you.

What is vision therapy used to treat?

Vision therapy is a lot like physical therapy for the eyes and the brain. 

It is typically used to improve focus and range of focus, depth perception, and the ability for the eyes and brain to work together.

A vision therapy program can be used to help with many common vision problems, including:

  • Depth-perception problems
  • Sports vision problems
  • Lazy or crossed eyes
  • Vision-sensory impairments
  • Vision problems caused by traumatic brain injuries or strokes
  • Double vision issues and eye tracking problems
  • Certain reading disabilities

How is a vision therapy program structured?

Your eye care providers will prepare an individualized plan that typically involves in-office visits and take-home assignments.

Treatment sessions are typically once or twice weekly, for about 30-60 minutes.

Vision therapy and learning problems

Any child experiencing reading or learning disabilities should have a comprehensive eye exam to test for vision problems. In cases where the learning problem is vision-related, then vision therapy may be a part of the treatment program.

Some of the signs that your child may have a vision problem affecting their ability to learn include:

  • Not wanting to read or examine their schoolwork closely 
  • Complaints of headaches or their eyes hurting 
  • Lack of attention span during tasks requiring visual attention
  • Signs of problems with remembering imagery or words 
  • Squinting, tilting their head, or closing one eye during visual tasks

Meet our Vision Therapists

Pam Beitling taught at the elementary level in the Park Hill School District for nearly 30 years before pursuing her passion for the vision-learning connection and becoming a vision therapist. As a mom and a teacher, Pam was surprised to learn through her son's own experience with VT that vision is so much more than 20/20 eyesight.  She sees patients out of the Vision Source Kansas City North office.

 

Kara Bartow has degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, and has been teaching a variety of ages for over 14 years. Kara's excitement for helping others through Vision Therapy was realized when she witnessed the incredible progress her own son made in the program. She sees patients out of the Vision Source Raymore office.

 

Dr. Leslie Wittmann earned her doctorate of optometry in 2017 from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Not only does she practice full-scope optometry, she has expanded her practice to include Vision Therapy services. Dr Wittmann sees patients out of the Vision Source Maryville office.

 

 

Our Vision Therapist's mission is not only to tailor therapy to each student's unique needs, but also to educate parents, teachers, and RN's in area school districts -equipping them with the tools to spot potential vision problems in students that might be holding them back from success.

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To download patient forms related to Vision Therapy, please visit the patient forms page.


If you’d like to learn more about vision therapy and discuss your options with an experienced eye care professional, book an appointment at Vision Source Eyecare. We look forward to meeting you.