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Vision
therapy, also known as visual training, vision
training, or visual therapy, is a group of techniques
attempting variously to correct or improve presumed
ocular, oculomotor, visual processing, and perceptual
disorders. Vision therapy encompasses a wide
variety of non-surgical methods which some have
divided into two broad categories:
-
orthoptic vision therapy, also known as orthoptics,
and
- behavioral
vision therapy, also known as behavioral or
developmental optometry.
Orthoptics
aims to treat binocular vision disorders such
as strabismus, and diplopia. It is practiced
by optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well
as orthoptists and occupational therapists under
the guidance of some ophthalmologists and pediatric
ophthalmologists.
Behavioral
vision therapy is practiced primarily by optometrists
who specialize in this field. It treats additional
problems including difficulties of visual attention
and concentration, which may manifest as an
inability to sustain focus or to shift focus
from one area of space to another. The ability
to shift the focus of visual attention from
one place in space to another affects many aspects
of life including reading, most vocations and
most avocations. Eye doctors may also prescribe
vision therapy to sufferers from eye strain
and visually-induced headaches. However, not
all such therapy is limited to disorders of
the visual system. Professional athletes, for
example, may use vision therapy to enhance sensitivity
to peripheral vision on the playing field or
increase responsiveness to fast moving objects.
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