FCOVD

Fellowship in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development

The COVD International Examination and Certification Board process includes a rigorous evaluation of the eye care professional’s knowledge and abilities in providing developmental and behavioral vision care for patients. This process includes a minimum of three years of direct patient management, one hundred hours of post-doctoral education, three peer-reviewed case reports, six papers written on examination, diagnosis, and treatment of functional vision disorders, a proctored written examination and an oral examination in front of the international examination board. Optometrists who successfully complete their certification process are Board Certified in Vision Development and Vision Therapy and are designated Fellows of COVD (FCOVD).

Dr. Jen Simonson was elected to the International Examination and Certification Board (IECB) in 2014 and is up for re-election in 2017.

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“

Dr. Jen Simonson’s Resume

Jennifer S. Simonson, OD, FCOVD

EDUCATION

The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Columbus, OH
Doctor of Optometry, Magna cum Laude, 6/03.
Disease Extern Site: Chickasaw Indian Health Clinic, Ardmore, OK
Primary Care Extern Sites: Gordon Binder Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA
Family Eye Care, Philip Smith, OD, San Diego, CA
Vision Development Center, Claude Valenti, OD, FCOVD, La Jolla, CA

The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Summa cum Laude, 12/98
With honors in the Liberal Arts and distinction in Biology
Andean Study Programs, Quito, Ecuador

Simonson Resume 2020

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.

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 - 6:15 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

Protected: AOA 2022 Optometry’s Meeting – Infant and Toddler Examination

May 08, 2022

This workshop provides hands-on experience in performing examination procedures to test vision in infants, toddlers, and developmentally delayed patients. Specific techniques developed for pediatric eye examinations will be practiced to assess visual function and perceptual processing. Participants will learn testing protocol, scoring, and interpretation. This course will emphasize clinical observations and how to make age-appropriate modifications of optometric testing.

Keywords: Pediatric Testing, Infant, Toddler, Vision Development, Vision Examination

This page is password protected for course attendees of the AOA 2022 Optometry's Meeting.

Vision Development in Children

May 08, 2022

The development of vision starts with healthy eyes and good eyesight. However, that is not all we need to see comfortably, accurately, and efficiently. We need to understand what and where we are seeing things. During infancy and time as a toddler, we learn to use our vision to explore colors, shapes, objects, people and develop depth perception and coordination. Learn more about vision development here.