Boulder VT

2016 CCIRA Conference Course #227

Course #227 “Classroom Accommodations for Students with Visual Issues”
2016 Colorado Council International Reading Association meeting in Denver, CO.
Thursday, Feb. 4th – 2:45-4:45

Course Slides:CCIRA 2016 course 227

Course Notes: 227 Course Handout CCIRA 2016

Checklist: TeacherQuestionnaire

Thank you so much for your questions and participation in this course! I really enjoy helping teachers better understand the issues their students are facing and how to help them succeed in the classroom.

– Dr. Jen Simonson

Dr. Jen Simonson at the Boulder Valley Vision Therapy Center

Additional Resources:

www.eyesontrack.com

http://www.amazon.com/Classroom-Activities-Correcting-Specific-Problems/dp/0131362194

WATCH THIS VIDEO: Vision at School: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyWYlbhEKxA

Reading Windows: Http : //readingwindow.org/home/chapter-5-making-reading-windows/

Graph Paper: http://www.printfreegraphpaper.com /

Vertical lines for math problems: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/printable-lined-paper

Vision in the Classroom: http://oepf.org/product/B118

Educator’s Guide: http://oepf.org/product/B201

Where to refer?

1. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development: http://locate.covd.org/

2. Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association: https://nora.cc/

3. Optometrists Network

References:

Leong D, Master C, Messner L, Pang Y, Smith C, Starling A. The effect of saccadic training on early reading fluency. Clin Pediat 2014;pages 1-7 (May 1, 2014, doi:10.1177/0009922814532520 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24790022
COVD summary of research in vision and learning http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.covd.org/resource/resmgr/Research/10a_SummaryofResearchonVisio.pdf
Association between reading speed, cycloplegic refractive error, and oculomotor function in reading disabled children versus controls. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=quaid%2C+vision%2C+learning

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

A Comparison of Van Orden Star Drawings

COVD 2015 Poster: Van Orden Training Utilizing the Stereoscope for iPad

BACKGROUND: Millard E. Van Orden developed a stereoscopically drawn visual pattern to gain insight on the patient’s binocular visual behavior pattern. This drawing records the projection in space of corresponding visual areas. When used for training, the patient receives feedback on the reorganization of visual space and stability of eye posture and binocular vision.

PROCEDURES: Van Orden drawings were completed with the Translucent Correct-eye-scope set at 0-0 and the Stereoscope for iPad set at 0 (optical far-point). The optics of the prismatic lens allow for a distance accommodative and vergence demand, but a physical distance of 20 centimeters. Targets included binocular vision space testing, far point – peripheral control, base-in projection stereo training, and base-out projection stereo training. Instructions were the same for both the traditional and digital drawings and followed the Van Orden Technique of Visual Rehabilitation Instruction Manual (Keystone View Company, www.keystoneview.com/download_manuals/6104_van_orden.pdf)

Dr. Simonson presented a poster at the 2015 COVD Annual meeting.

INNOVATIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Ability to complete testing and training in more postures with the same device (standing or sitting, primary gaze or up/down gaze)

2. Ability to add images to electronic health records for performance documentation.

3. Ability to test visual performance when viewing a digital device (clinically noted to cause more visual complaints).

Link to more information: Van Orden Tracing on the Stereoscope for iPad and OPTO App

Thank you for submitting your abstract, ” Van Orden Training Utilizing the Stereoscope for iPad”, to the 2015 COVD annual meeting. The review process has concluded, and we are pleased to inform you that your abstract was accepted, to be presented as a poster. It is scheduled to be displayed on Thursday, April 16 and Friday April, 17 2015 on poster board #29.

Clinical Pearls for Treating Vertical Deviations

I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak during the general education program of the 2014 College of Optometrists in Vision Development Annual Meeting. Part of the reason I wanted to do this is because presenting to a group lets me research and organize my thoughts on a particular topic. In this case, it was treating vertical strabismus with vision therapy. I hope this information is helpful to you in clinical practice! – Dr. Simonson

Course handout

Link to more information from the course “Clinical Pearls for Treating Vertical Deviations“

Locate Us

Phone:(303) 443-2257
Fax:(303) 443-4599

We are located in Boulder, Colorado on the southeast corner of 28th Street (Highway 36) and Valmont Road. Our parking lot can be accessed by heading eastbound on Valmont Road. We are just north of the Walgreens. Look for our giant blue logo sign on the corner.

Please complete the history form and submit before your appointment. If you prefer to print forms and bring them with you, please click here.

Boulder Valley Vision Therapy

*New pictures coming soon*

Contact Details

Phone: (303) 443-2257
Fax: (303) 443-4599

Address

2800 Valmont Road
Boulder, CO 80301

Directions

Take Highway 36 to Boulder where it turns into 28th Street. Turn east onto Valmont Road. Our parking lot is an immediate right.

Emergencies

Emergency:

In case of an eye health emergency or injury, please contact your primary care optometrist.

Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Notes:

Please contact us with any questions you might have at bouldervt@yahoo.com.

Payment Information

We Accept:

Notes:

We accept credit cards, checks and cash. We do not bill insurance, but will assist you in the process of seeking reimbursement.

Developing Children's Vision and Enhancing Adult Performance

Vision Therapy is used to treat:

Eye Focusing
Eye Tracking
Eye-Hand Coordination
Sports Vision
Computer-Related Vision Problems
Crossed or Wandering Eyes
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Depth Perception
Visual Sensory Integration
Vision Processing relating to Reading and Learning Problems

Do you experience tired eyes, difficulty focusing, blurred vision, double vision or eye strain?

Our vision therapy center is devoted to developing, improving, and enhancing visual skills including focusing, tracking, eye alignment and coordination.

Please register on-line through our secure system so that the doctor can review your information prior to your appointment. If you prefer, you can also print out online forms to bring with you – click here to print forms.

preschool vision therapy

Insurance & Financing

Will insurance cover this type of treatment?

Visual perceptual therapy for learning issues or educational problems is not covered under health plans. Some health insurance plans may cover a portion of the evaluation and treatment if there is a specific eye muscle problem. We do not bill insurance, but will assist you in the process of seeking reimbursement.

Vision Therapy Q&A With Our Doctors

What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is an individualized treatment plan prescribed by a Doctor of Optometry. It is used to treat eye conditions, such as strabismus (eye turn) or amblyopia (“lazy eye”). Through Vision Therapy, a Doctor of Optometry also teaches, improves and/or reinforces important visual skills, such as eye tracking, eye focusing and eye teaming abilities. Without these visual skills, simple tasks like reading or copying notes from the board become difficult. Skipping words or lines while reading, using a finger while reading, blurry near vision, double vision, eyestrain and/or eye fatigue are also common symptoms.

How do I know Vision Therapy is right for my child?

If your child displays symptoms of strabismus (eye turn), amblyopia (“lazy eye”), skipping words or lines while reading, using a finger while reading, blurry near vision, double vision, eyestrain and/or eye fatigue, it is suggested your child has a complete eye exam from a Doctor of Optometry. If symptoms persist or the Doctor of Optometry recommends Vision Therapy, then a Vision Therapy assessment is the next step. The doctor will perform a thorough one-on-one assessment and will determine which conditions are present, whether Vision Therapy is suitable, the type of eye exercises required and the number of sessions needed.

More About Our Doctors >

Dr. Jennifer Simonson

What Our Patients Have to Say....

I got my sight back to normal and beyond!

...

- Fiona V.

The Office Felt Like Family

I was originally referred Dowis Vision Therapy because I was having depth perception problems. I would be driving down the street and couldn't tell which stop light was closest to me. That's an extremely scary experience not only for me but for everyone else driving on the road with me....

“I cannot express in words my gratitude”

When I first started vision therapy in the fall of 2014, I had just started attending college and could not read or use computers at all, due to tracking and focusing difficulties and light sensitivities. I did eye exercises every day and went to my appointments every week. I was...

“I ran in excitedly to tell my wife”

I am a 72 year old, retired physician who participated in Vision Therapy - at Boulder Valley Vision Therapy - for approximately two years when I was in my late sixties. I underwent therapy over a week to treat my "lazy eye" and suppressive Amblyopia that I have had all...

I began Vision Therapy at age 62

Before Vision Therapy I saw double when tired or reading. I would shut my right eye to see clearly and get headaches from reading. I could not remember names and faces of people I met while walking my dog. The first success I noticed was the absence of any double...

“Now I’m an Honors Student and I’m not afraid to read”

All my life I thought the words moving and disappearing was just something I'd have to deal with. We thought not being able to read until second grade was just who I was. I lived my life afraid to read aloud at school, trying to hide the fact that I...

This experience has changed my life. I will be forever grateful.

I've struggled with my vision my whole life and I didn't even know it. I used to get debilitating dizzy spells which would take me out for the entire day. These spells would occur at least once a week. Looking at LED Christmas lights, a brightly lit room or a...

Vision Therapy changed my life.

After a year of struggling with reading I finally convinced my mom to take me to the eye doctor. My moms answer had always been "Stop complaining! They give you eye exams at school. If you kept your focus you would be done reading." It turns out I did have...

I enjoy reading!!

Before Vision Therapy I struggled when I read. It was frustrating. But when I did vision therapy, I could read and I didn't struggle. I moved up a level and enjoy reading very much. I am glad that Dowis Vision Therapy Center (now Boulder Valley Vision Therapy) was there to...

Thanks Andrea!

I wanted to thank you and Andrea for the opportunity to shadow you on Friday. Seriously, that is such cool work that you do and I’m glad you think so too! Your pride in what you do and your expertise in how you do it really showed me a spirit...

Words are my enemy

When we first came to see Dr. Dowis, our son was experiencing pain over one eye and hated school. He actually said, “words are my enemy.” During the middle of his first grade year we began vision therapy. He worked hard for eight months and we saw amazing improvement —...

TRY VISION THERAPY!!!

When I started vision therapy, I was having various problems reading, focusing on the Blackboard, and being able to focus on my speedometer quickly enough when driving, which of course, was very unsafe. I am currently a high school student, and these things were very detrimental to my grades, and...

My Vision Therapy Success Story

It was easier to work at school after I did vision therapy. It made working more fun to do because I could see better. I can see everything better. These things are more fun now that I can see better: Playing Games Reading Doing Math Writing Playing on the playground,...

Vision Therapy gave me my LIFE back

When I was in the third grade, I had my first introduction to vision therapy. I loved to read, but it was very tiring and I took a long time to complete assignments. My parents took me to a developmental optometrist and after two months of vision therapy my reading...

Sydney’s Story

During the fall of first grade, our daughter's teacher told us that she suspected Sydney suffered from ADHD. A consultaton with a local psychologist seemed to confirm the teacher's suspicions. But we weren't convinced, and neither were her kindergarten or pre-school teachers. . . The same week, we got the...

Reading at Grade Level

My daughter began vision therapy when she was assessed two grade levels below where she should be reading. After just 12 sessions of vision therapy, she is reading at grade level. Whoopee! She has gone from being afraid to read in front of the class to "being the first kid...

CU Pre-optometry Club

Vision Therapy is an optometric specialty. Students from the University of Colorado Pre-Optometry Club learned more about functional vision skills and vision therapy treatment here at our office on January 29, 2009....

I didn’t struggle

Before vision therapy, I struggled when I read. It was frustrating. But when I did vision therapy, I could read. . . and I didn’t struggle. I moved up a level and enjoy reading very much. I am glad that Dowis Vision Therapy Center was there to help me....

World of Possibilities

Thank you for all of your work with our son. It sure has paid off: his performance at school has improved dramatically since he began vision therapy. Where his math skills were lacking before we began vision therapy, he is now both meeting and exceeding his grade level expectations. At his...

Emergencies+

Please call your primary care optometrist or 911 for eye emergencies. You may also contact our office at: 303-443-2257 for further instructions during business hours.

Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Notes:

Please contact us with any questions you might have at bouldervt@yahoo.com.

What's New? | Our Blog

Signs a Child May Need Vision Therapy

Jun 30, 2021

Did you know that a child can have 20/20 vision (“perfect vision”) and still experience visual issues? This is because some individuals can see 20/20 through each eye, but the eyes don’t necessarily work well together to create a clear picture. Vision therapy can help improve the muscular systems of the eye for better teaming, tracking and focusing. It can also improve the eye-brain connection so that the child can interpret visual information more effectively. These therapies allow for proper overall visual development and can improve classroom learning.

2021 AOA Optometry’s Meeting: TBI Visual Evaluation and Management

May 23, 2021

Audience: Doctor-Para Joint Course

Course Title: TBI: Visual Evaluation and Management

Course Length: 2 hours

Course Description:

This course is designed for the optometrist and paraoptometric to gain knowledge in current diagnostic testing and treatment of vision conditions related to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). This course will emphasize post-concussion vision syndrome assessment and rehabilitation. Optometrists need to counsel patients on how to avoid further injury, be equipped with the tools to manage patients with TBI, and treat vision conditions that significantly impact the patient’s performance and recovery.

Category Keywords: TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion, Post-Concussion Vision Syndrome, Vision Rehabilitation, Neuro-Optometry