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Vision therapy, the art and science of developing and enhancing visual abilities and remediating vision dysfunctions, has a firm foundation in vision science, and both its application and efficacy have been established in the scientific literature.14-17 Some sources have erroneously associated optometricAppendix 63vision therapy with controversial and unfounded therapies, and equate eye defects with visual dysfunctions.18-21The eyes, visual pathways, and brain comprise the visual system. Therefore, to understand the complexities of visual function, one must look at the total visual system. Recent research has demonstrated that some people with reading disabilities have deficits in the transmission of information to the brain through a defective visual pathway.22-25 This creates confusion and disrupts the normal visual timing functions in reading.Visual defects, such as a restriction in the visual field, can have a substantial impact on reading performance.26 Eye strain and double vision resulting from convergence insufficiency can also be a significant handicap to learning.27 There are more subtle visual defects that influence learning, affecting different people to different degrees. Vision is a multifaceted process and its relationships to reading and learning are complex.28 -29 Each area of visual function must be considered in the evaluation of people who are experiencing reading or other learning problems. Likewise, treatment programs for learning- related vision problems must be designed individually to meet each person's unique needs.SUMMARY 1. Vision problems can and often do interfere with learning.2. People at risk for learning-related vision problems should be evaluated by an optometrist who provides diagnostic and management services in this area.3. The goal of optometric intervention is to improve visual function and alleviate associated signs and symptoms.4. Prompt remediation of learning-related vision problems enhances the ability of children and adults to perform to their full potential.5. People with learning problems require help from many disciplines to meet the learning challenges they face. Optometric involvement constitutes one aspect of the multidisciplinary management approach required to prepare the individual for lifelong learning.64 Learning Related Vision ProblemsThis Policy Statement was formulated by a Task Force representing the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the American Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Optometry.
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