Behavioural Optometry: What Is It?

Did you know a high percentage of learning occurs through vision and your motor visual system?  This means even minor issues related to visual abilities can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall well-being.

Behavioural Optometry

Behavioural optometry uses a holistic, broad approach to eye health. It takes a deep look at how well an individual can process what they see. By looking at the brain’s role in vision, a behavioural optometrist can help prevent eye issues and address common vision concerns.

Definition:

Behavioural optometry takes a broad look at visual abilities rather than just visual acuity. Instead of only focusing on how clearly you can see, behavioural optometry assesses how well an individual can process and react to what they see.

What Is Behavioural Optometry?

Understanding “what is behavioural optometry?” involves the difference between vision and eyesight. 

While vision and eyesight are often thought of as interchangeable, behavioural optometry involves a clear distinction between the two. 

• VISION — Vision uses all the senses (touch, smell, hearing, etc.) to process information gained through eyesight. Simply put, vision is the thought process behind eyesight. Vision uses the senses to perceive the world around you. 
• EYESIGHT— Eyesight is the physical performance of the eye. Eyesight involves seeing details in the distance, visual acuity, and the physical attributes of sight. 

Behavioural optometry also involves:

• A holistic approach to neurological, developmental, and physical aspects of vision
• Understanding vision and its development 
• Assessment of eyesight and overall eye health
• Evaluating the brain’s role in vision

How Does Behavioural Optometry Affect Kids and Adults?

It’s a common misconception every kid can see clearly. The good news is that even if your child is experiencing vision issues, early intervention and the proper treatment may prevent it from getting worse. 

In children, behavioural optometry can help with reading difficulties, learning delays, eye control issues, lazy eye, and more. 

For instance, a child who gets a 20/20 on an eye test is considered to have perfect visual acuity. However, if there is an issue with visual perception or how the brain processes visual information, it may show up as learning difficulties. A child with 20/20 vision may still struggle playing sports, reading, writing, or focusing in the classroom if there is a VISION issue.  

Behavioral optometrists focus on how vision relates to common activities such as using  a laptop, reading, writing, and eye coordination.

While the majority of behavioural optometry patients are children, this innovative practice can benefit patients of all ages. 

Adults who have sustained head injuries, had a stroke, or suffered brain trauma may experience vision-related issues. Behavioural optometry can assess how visual information is processed and customise a treatment plan to address brain-related vision issues.  

What Conditions Can Behavioural Optometry Treat?

Treatment will depend on the individual’s age, vision issues, and goals. Behavioural optometry may be used to help treat a wide range of visual-related conditions, including: 

• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Strabismus (crossed eyes) 
• Dyslexia or language problems
• Attention deficit issues 
• Developmental delays
• Vision issues related to brain trauma, illness, neurological disease, or injury 

What Are the Goals of Behavioural Optometry? 

The goal of behavioural optometry will depend on the age of the patient, the particular vision or eyesight issues the patient is facing, past medical history, and any concerns related to reading, writing, or learning. 

Goals of behavioural optometry include: 

• Prevent eye problems and vision problems from developing
• Address and correct vision changes after illness, an injury, or brain trauma
• Provide treatment for short-sightedness, eye turn, and other vision issues 
• Address eye motor control problems
• Address learning issues that may be related to vision, such as developmental delays, reading difficulties, etc.. 
• Optimise visual skills for improved performance in sports, the work place, recreational activities, or the classroom 
• Reduce attention difficulties in children
• Improve vision skills and how visual information is processed
• Improve sensory skills to support more efficient learning 
• Improve an individual’s ability to go about day-to-day tasks 
• Intervene to provide customised stimulation to help promote more normal visual function and development 

How Does Behavioural Optometry Work 

Behavioural optometry works by evaluating how visual information is processed. It takes a holistic, individualised approach to eye health to identify, correct, and prevent vision issues. 

Behavioural optometry encompasses a wide range of modalities and tools for treatment, including: 

• Personalised gross motor activities 
• Custom lenses (prism lenses, tinted lenses, etc.)
• Individualised eye exercises that address how information is processed via the visual system 
• Vision therapy
• Optical devices
• Special glasses  

Ready for Personalised Treatment for Your Vision Concerns? 

Our skilled, caring team of optometrists offers a range of vision and eye health services, including behavioural optometry. If you are struggling with vision issues or concerned about your child’s performance at school or in activities, we encourage you to get in touch with our team. 

At E Eye Place, we are passionate about being the best optometrist for kids in Perth. safe optometrist for kids. We offer children’s eye tests and appointments and strive to make every experience a positive one. With 40+ years in the industry, we have extensive experience offering quality eye services to adults and children throughout Perth. 

Book your eye test or a children’s eye test today to start your journey toward better vision.