According to the American Optometric Association, The Definition of Optometric Vision Therapy is as follows:

​

DEFINITION OF OPTOMETRIC VISION THERAPY

​

Vision therapy is a sequence of neurosensory and neuromuscular activities individually prescribed and monitored by the doctor to develop, rehabilitate and enhance visual skills and processing. The vision therapy program is based on the results of a vision therapy evaluation, and takes into consideration the results of standardized tests, the needs of the patient, and the patient’s signs and symptoms. The use of lenses, prisms, filters, occluders, specialized instruments, and computer programs is an integral part of vision therapy. The length of the therapy program varies depending on the severity of the diagnosed conditions, typically ranging from several months to longer periods of time. Activities paralleling in-office techniques are typically taught to the patient to be practiced at home, thereby reinforcing the developing visual skills.

​

Research has demonstrated vision therapy can be an effective treatment option for:

• Ocular motility dysfunctions (eye movement disorders)

• Non-strabismic binocular disorders (inefficient eye teaming)

• Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes)

• Amblyopia (poorly developed vision)

• Accommodative disorders (focusing problems)

• Visual information processing disorders, including visual-motor integration

• and integration with other sensory modalities

• Visual sequelae of acquired brain injury
  
  Approved by the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees, April 2009