Behavioural Optometry

What is it?
This therapy uses the visual paths to correct symptoms ranging from poor reading and concentration , through to reduced visual awareness and light sensitivity. There are various therapies including eye movement exercises, syntonics, and eyelights.

Treatment
This involves firstly assessing for light sensitivity and the smoothness of eye movement using neuro opthalmology techniques to see if any abnormalities may be occurring. Abnormal eye movement patterns can stop a child from reading, and thereby learning. Exercises can then be given to restore the smoothness of movement.

Syntonics:
This involves the use of different coloured lenses to improve your vision. Commonly, extended time at the computer can lead to eyestrain. When you use a tinted lens, you reduce the amount of light coming out of the computer and going into your eye. Appropriate use of coloured lenses makes time at the computer easier and more comfortable.

Eyelights:
These are small red flashing lights fitted onto the the inside of a pair of sunglasses- usually there are four lights for each eye. The theory is that red light is made up of long wave lengths, so providing gentle stimulation to the visual pathways ( as opposed to the short blue wave lengths as seen in the fluorescent lights at shopping centres that are designed more to excite our nervous system ) to help improve things such as concentration and sensitivity to light.

Effectiveness:
Symptoms such as poor reading, hand eye co ordination, concentration and sensitivity to light may all be treated through the use of  behavioural optometry. In particular, eye movement exercises have been used extensively in this clinic to help reading problems, and have also shown to be very useful for balance disorders.