Vision Therapy
What is vision therapy?
Vision therapy is a programme of guided activities designed to improve how the eyes and brain work together. It may help develop visual skills such as focusing, tracking, eye coordination and visual processing. A comprehensive assessment is needed to determine whether vision therapy is appropriate for the individual.
Some vision problems cannot be corrected with glasses alone. Vision therapy uses guided eye exercises to train how your eyes and brain work together. It strengthens visual skills that affect focus, reading, concentration, and coordination.
Who can benefit from vision therapy?
Vision therapy can help a wide range of people, including:
- Children struggling with reading or attention in class
- Adults with double vision or eye strain
- Athletes who want to sharpen their reaction time and tracking
- People recovering from visual changes after injury or illness
Book an Appointment
Contact Us
Address
120 Belvedere Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708
Phone/ Whatsapp
021 045 0763
Business hours
Mon – Thurs: 8:30am – 17:30
Friday: 8:30am – 17:00
Saturday: 8:30am – 13:00
Friday: 8:30am – 17:00
Saturday: 8:30am – 13:00
Children with functional vision difficulties may lose their place while reading, work slowly, avoid close tasks or struggle to maintain concentration. These behaviours can sometimes resemble attention difficulties, but vision problems and ADHD are separate conditions. An optometrist can assess visual function but cannot diagnose ADHD, so further input from a paediatrician, psychologist or educational professional may also be appropriate.
What does a vision therapy process involve?
Our optometrist in Claremont begins with a full assessment. Based on your needs, we design a structured plan of exercises. Sessions may include tasks to improve tracking, depth perception, or focus flexibility. You will see gradual improvements when you practise consistently.
How long does vision therapy take to work?
The length of a vision therapy programme depends on the condition being treated, the severity of the visual difficulty and how consistently the recommended activities are completed. Kaleidovision programmes are generally structured in eight-week cycles, with progress reviewed throughout the process.
Some people may notice changes during the first cycle, while others may require additional therapy. Improvement is gradual, and no fixed result or timeframe can be guaranteed. Your optometrist will explain what progress may reasonably be expected based on your assessment findings and response to treatment.
Some people may notice changes during the first cycle, while others may require additional therapy. Improvement is gradual, and no fixed result or timeframe can be guaranteed. Your optometrist will explain what progress may reasonably be expected based on your assessment findings and response to treatment.
Does vision therapy work?
Vision therapy may be effective for certain diagnosed visual conditions, particularly when treatment targets a specific difficulty with eye coordination, focusing, tracking or visual rehabilitation. It is not a general treatment for every learning, reading or attention problem.
The likely benefit depends on the diagnosis, the individual’s needs, the structure of the programme and consistent participation. A comprehensive assessment is necessary to determine whether vision therapy is appropriate and to establish realistic treatment goals.
The likely benefit depends on the diagnosis, the individual’s needs, the structure of the programme and consistent participation. A comprehensive assessment is necessary to determine whether vision therapy is appropriate and to establish realistic treatment goals.
Why choose Kaleidovision in Claremont?
Our optometrist in Claremont is recognised as a leading neuro-optometrist in Cape Town and South Africa. You deserve more than just prescriptive eye testing; you deserve a broader perspective to optimise your development, not just at work or school, but also as fully adaptable, aware individuals prepared to navigate this ever-changing world. We explain each step clearly and provide support materials so you can continue exercises at home. Vision therapy is a gradual process, but with dedication, it can create a lasting difference.
Book a consultation today
If you or your child is struggling with vision-related challenges, speak to our optometrist in Claremont about vision therapy. Together, we can help you see the world more clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does vision therapy work?
Vision therapy may help with certain diagnosed difficulties involving focusing, tracking, eye coordination or convergence. Its effectiveness depends on the condition being treated, the individual’s needs and consistent participation in the programme.
2. What conditions can vision therapy help with?
Vision therapy may be recommended for difficulties involving eye tracking, focusing, eye coordination, convergence or visual rehabilitation following certain injuries or neurological changes. An assessment is needed to determine whether it is suitable.
3. What are the symptoms of convergence insufficiency?
Symptoms may include headaches, eye strain, blurred or double vision, losing your place while reading and difficulty concentrating during close work. These symptoms can have different causes and should be properly assessed.
4. Can vision problems be mistaken for ADHD?
Some vision difficulties may cause behaviours such as avoiding reading, losing concentration or struggling to complete close work. These behaviours can resemble attention difficulties, but vision problems and ADHD are separate conditions.
5. Does medical aid cover vision therapy in South Africa?
Cover varies between medical-aid schemes and plans. Some may contribute towards the assessment or therapy sessions, while others may require payment from medical savings or private funds. Patients should confirm their available benefits directly with their medical aid.
6. Is vision therapy only for children?
No. Adults may also benefit when they have diagnosed focusing, tracking or eye-coordination difficulties, double vision, visual strain or visual changes following an injury.
