When reading, writing and basic learning skills are a struggle to master, everyday life can quickly become challenging. Although learning difficulties are very common, the options and resources to improve them may not be easy to find.. 

 

 

 

 

While eyesight can be a factor in how well we learn, most of what we perceive, comprehend and remember is based on the efficiency of the visual system, so it plays an integral role in learning.

 

In evaluating the visual system function, a neuro-visual optometrist will consider the following specific areas:

 

• Eye movement control

• Eye focusing

• Binocularity/eye teaming- the ability of the eyes to work together

• Visual perception

• Central peripheral integration

 

It is possible for an individual to have problems in one, some, or all areas. Most commonly, struggling learners will have issues with visual perception in some way.  Visual perception issues are specifically considered in terms of:

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• Visual Discrimination (the ability to discriminate dominant features of objects)

• Visual Memory (the ability to recognize a stimulus after a brief time interval)                       

• Spatial Relations (the ability to perceive objects in relation to oneself and other objects)                   

• Form Constancy (the ability to recognize a shape remains the same despite changes in size, orientation, etc.)              

• Sequential Memory (the ability to remember the order of objects after a brief time interval)                   

• Figure Ground (the ability to identify an object from its surroundings)                  

• Visual Closure (the ability to identify a whole figure when only fragments are shown)

• Laterality/Directionality (the ability to recognize the correct orientation of an object)                   

• Visual-motor integration

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Neuro-Visual Training is not a direct treatment for learning difficulties.  However, it is designed to improve those underlying visual system issues that contribute to learning difficulties by strengthening the connections between the brain and eyes to better support mental performance.  A neuro-visual optometrist can help determine whether NVT would be an appropriate intervention to consider.