A developmental optometrist is an eye doctor who has completed two to three years of post-graduate training and is credentialed as a Fellow in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, or F.C.O.V.D.ccupational therapists screen oculomotor control, assess and treat deficits in visual perception, or the ability to interpret and analyze visual information accurately, and visual motor integration, or eye-hand coordination.
A developmental optometrist looks further into the visual system, after checking visual acuity and health of the eye. They are closely checking for amblyopia and strabismus. They check to see how the eye functions, specifically in tracking, eye teaming and focusing. Each comprehensive or yearly eye exam checks the general, overall health of the eye. This includes examining for any eye diseases or abnormalities as well as evaluating the patients’ vision. If the patient is experiencing blurry vision, they may be nearsighted, farsighted or have an uncorrected astigmatism, which requires glasses or contact lenses to see more clearly 1 Some optometrists that practice vision therapy are not Developmental Optometrists. 2  These optometrists have an eye muscle approach and will train the eyes to focus (accommodate) and to cross/uncross (vergence) without the visually-guided gross motor activities. Brief Description Of Developmental Optometry. 1  Developmental optometry is the practice of using lenses, prisms, and/or visually-guided motor activities to enhance visual performance. Why would my child’s occupational therapist refer me to a developmental optometrist? Occupational therapists screen oculomotor control, assess and treat deficits in visual perception, or the ability to interpret and analyze visual information accurately, and visual motor integration, or eye-hand coordination. Neurodevelopmental optometrists (who, are also called behavioral or developmental optometrists) first look at the health of your eyes and your sight. These specialists then examine your ability to process information visually. This includes both binocular vision performance and visual perceptual abilities.  Behavioral optometry is considered by some optometrists to have its origins in orthoptic vision therapy. However, Vision therapy is differentiated between strabismic/orthoptic vision therapy (which Orthoptists and Ophthalmologists practice) and non-strabismic vision therapy. A.M. Skeffington was an American optometrist known to some as the father of behavioral optometry. Therapists aim to treat a broad range of conditions including visual impairments, neurological disorders and learning disabilities. Many of the ideas associated with behavioral optometry lack a clear scientific basis. Research, where it exists, is of low quality. First, Locate a Developmental Optometrist. Ideally, you want to locate a developmental optometrist who oversees a vision therapy department that offers Office-Based Vision Therapy somewhere near you. Alternatively, you might find a developmental optometrist who routinely refers to a vision therapy department. This is essential.  A developmental optometrist is an eye doctor who has completed two to three years of post-graduate training and is credentialed as a Fellow in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, or F.C.O.V.D. Occupational therapists screen oculomotor control, assess and treat deficits in visual perception, or the ability to interpret and analyze visual information accurately, and visual motor integration, or eye-hand coordination. In addition to performing routine eye exams, a developmental optometrist will complete other tests to determine whether the patient has adequate visual function in order to perform daily tasks, such as reading, focusing back and forth between a printed page and the blackboard, and catching a ball. Occupational therapists screen oculomotor control, assess and treat deficits in visual perception, or the ability to interpret and analyze visual information accurately, and visual motor integration, or eye-hand coordination. Optometrists are schooled in the developmental (behavioral, functional or environmental) aspects of vision. Optometrists are more apt to use lenses, prisms and Vision Therapy to enhance and improve visual function. These interventions often improve children's academic and other abilities.  Behavioral optometry is a type of complementary and alternative medicine which encompasses a number of unorthodox ideas and practices related to visual processes. Therapists aim to treat a broad range of conditions including visual impairments, neurological disorders and learning disabilities. Many of the ideas associated with behavioral optometry lack a clear scientific basis. Research, where it exists, is of low quality.
http://visiondevelopment.org/what-is-a-developmental-optometrist/ http://www.growingupeasier.org/index.php?main_page=page&id=148&chapter=3 http://www.potsot.com/601.html http://simplybrainy.com/neurodevelopmental-optometry/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_optometry http://www.ontrackreading.com/dyslexia-puzzle/find-a-vision-therapy-provider http://www.potsot.com/601.html http://www.potsot.com/601.html http://www.children-special-needs.org/parenting/pediatric_opthalmologist.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_optometry
what is developmental optometrist