Behavioural Optometry
Behavioural Optometrists have under-gone post graduate training to provide a holistic approach to the assessment and treatment of vision and visual information processing problems. Vision is a learned skill and developed over time, much like walking and talking. The visual system is a significant part of how we process information and 80% of what you perceive, comprehend and remember depends on the efficiency of the visual system.
Vision and Learning
Having clear and comfortable vision is a good start to efficient learning but is not the only requirement.
Eye Movement (Tracking) Skills
Visual Spatial Skills
Visual Analysis Skills
Are used to identify, sort, organise, store and recall visually presented information. It is the ability to receive and process visual information, remember it and apply it later. There are a number of sub-skills associated with visual analysis.
Figure Ground
The ability to pick specific detail from a background of irrelevant information; visual form recognition, discrimination and constancy and the ability to discriminate differences in forms.
Visual Closure
The recognition of the final product when only incomplete clues are presented.
Visualisation
Visual - Motor Integration
Visual - Auditory Integration
In most cases, Behavioural Optometrists do not directly treat reading and learning difficulties but work with schools, teachers, occupational therapists and psychologists to achieve the best outcome for the child by enabling comfortable and efficient visual skills.
Behavioural Optometry aims to:
Physical eyesight problems are important:
Refractive problems such as shortsightedness (myopia), longsightedness (hypermetropia) and astigmatism can present with blurred vision, eyestrain and head-aches which can impede efficient and comfortable visual process.
Eye coordination and accommodation problems can also contribute to discomfort as well as inefficiencies in both reading and writing. Eye movement control (tracking) is particularly important in efficient reading and copying processes in the classroom.
Vision and Reading
Checklist for vision problems in the classroom
Appearance of eyes
- One eye turns in or out at any time
- Reddened eyes or eyelids
- Encrusted eyelids or frequent styes
Complaints when using eyes at desk
- Headaches/strain in forehead or temples
- Discomfort after/during reading or desk/computer work
- Complaints of blur either for distance or reading tasks
- Short attention span
Ocular Motility
- Head turns when reading across the page
- Loses place, rereads or skips lines or needs finger to assist
- Frequently omits words particularly small ones
- Difficulty copying from the board
Visual Perceptual Skills
- Must feel things to assist interpretation
- Letter reversals and repeated left /right confusion
- Lack of orientation/placement of words or drawings on page. May write crookedly with difficulty staying on lines
- Uses other hand as a spacer to control spacing
- Difficulty in recall or reproduction, singularly or sequentially
More services
SPECIALISE
Ortho K
At Barossa and Light Optometrist, we employ the latest technologies to provide our clients with the best contact lens options. Your optometrist, Michael Burnside, has over 30 years experience in specialized contact lens fittings, and over 10 years experience in Ortho-K.
LENSES
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses fall broadly into the following categories
Request an appointment at Barossa and Light Optometrist today.
Business hours
Nuriootpa
Location
Business Hours
| Monday | 9:00am-5:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00am-5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am-5:30pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am-7:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am-5:30pm |
| Sat | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Kapunda
Location
40 Main Street Kapunda SA 5373
Business Hours
| Monday | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |